Sports

The best photos from the UNC-Duke thriller from News & Observer photojournalists

By Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman

The Duke-Carolina game was one for the books, and News & Observer photojournalists Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman captured the big moments, including Seth Trimble’s game-winning shot in the final seconds to the controversial storming of the court as Tar Heel fans celebrated.

North Carolina senior Katherine Sullivan used her fingers to cheer on the Tar Heels before Duke’s game against UNC at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
North Carolina senior Katherine Sullivan used her fingers to cheer on the Tar Heels before Duke’s game against UNC at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives around North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8) in the first half on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer (12) drives around North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8) in the first half on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Caleb Wilson (8) blocks the shot by Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Caleb Wilson (8) blocks the shot by Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) launches a three-point shot with .4 seconds to play against Duke to win the game 71-68 on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) launches a three-point shot with .4 seconds to play against Duke to win the game 71-68 on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) celebrates after making the game winning basket in UNC’s 71-68 victory over Duke at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) celebrates after making the game winning basket in UNC’s 71-68 victory over Duke at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer and his players try to get off the Smith Center Court following a three-point shot by North Carolina guard Seth Trimble on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Scheyer voiced his disappointment at not being able to get off the court safely at the end of the game once fans stormed the court.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer and his players try to get off the Smith Center Court following a three-point shot by North Carolina guard Seth Trimble on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Scheyer voiced his disappointment at not being able to get off the court safely at the end of the game once fans stormed the court. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) reacts as fans storm the court, after sinking a three-point shot with .4 seconds to play, to give the Tar Heels a 71-68 victory over Duke on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) reacts as fans storm the court, after sinking a three-point shot with .4 seconds to play, to give the Tar Heels a 71-68 victory over Duke on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 2:55 PM with the headline "The best photos from the UNC-Duke thriller from News & Observer photojournalists."

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