College Sports

Battle of the Blues, the sequel: Photos of Duke-UNC basketball rematch

By Ethan Hyman and Robert Willett

No. 1 ranked Duke dominated in the second half in their rematch with No. 17 North Carolina for a 76-61 win Saturday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

And while the epic college rivalry game between the two schools rarely disappoints, their first meeting on Feb. 7 may still feel fresh. While playing at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina’s Seth Trimble hit a three-pointer with .4 seconds left to play, breaking a tie and prompting students to storm the court — twice.

This time, however, the Tar Heels played without star freshman Caleb Wilson, who injured his right thumb Thursday while already healing from a broken left hand. Wilson’s season has ended.

Here are photos from the latest chapter of the Battle of the Blues.

The Cameron Crazies are ready before Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Cameron Crazies are ready before Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8), out with a broken thumb, handles the ball, as his teammates warm up for the Tar Heels’ game against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron indoor Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8), out with a broken thumb, handles the ball, as his teammates warm up for the Tar Heels’ game against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron indoor Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The Cameron Crazies are ready before Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Cameron Crazies are ready before Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) pokes North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the eye during the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke guard Cayden Boozer (2) pokes North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the eye during the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Derek Dixon (3) pulls in the loose ball as Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) and North Carolina's Jarin Stevenson (15) also go after the ball during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Derek Dixon (3) pulls in the loose ball as Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) and North Carolina's Jarin Stevenson (15) also go after the ball during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) congratulates Nikolas Khamenia (14) during Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) congratulates Nikolas Khamenia (14) during Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina forward Zayden High (1) blocks a dunk attempt by Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina forward Zayden High (1) blocks a dunk attempt by Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) dunks over North Carolina forward jarin Stevenson (15), center Henri Veesaar (13) and guard Derek Dixon (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) dunks over North Carolina forward jarin Stevenson (15), center Henri Veesaar (13) and guard Derek Dixon (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer takes watches his team pm offense in the second half against North Carolina on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer takes watches his team pm offense in the second half against North Carolina on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina center Henri Veesaar (13) secures a defensive rebound against Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina center Henri Veesaar (13) secures a defensive rebound against Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) defends Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) defends Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina guard Derek Dixon (3) and Duke guard Nikolas Khamenia (14) battle for a loose ball under the Blue Devils’ basket in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina guard Derek Dixon (3) and Duke guard Nikolas Khamenia (14) battle for a loose ball under the Blue Devils’ basket in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) shoots as Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) defends during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) shoots as Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) defends during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis yells as his team on defense in the first half against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis yells as his team on defense in the first half against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Dame Sarr (7) breaks to the basket for a dunk against North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke forward Dame Sarr (7) breaks to the basket for a dunk against North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8), out with a broken thumb, watches the first half against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (8), out with a broken thumb, watches the first half against Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates with Nikolas Khamenia (14) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) celebrates with Nikolas Khamenia (14) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) pressures North Carolina's Luka Bogavac (44) as Isaiah Evans (3) also defends during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) pressures North Carolina's Luka Bogavac (44) as Isaiah Evans (3) also defends during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) makes a steal from North Carolina guard Jonathan Powell (11) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke forward Isaiah Evans (3) makes a steal from North Carolina guard Jonathan Powell (11) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The Cameron Crazies celebrate after Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) made a three-pointer during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The Cameron Crazies celebrate after Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) made a three-pointer during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) dunks over North Carolina forward jarin Stevenson (15), center Henri Veesaar (13) and guard Derek Dixon (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) dunks over North Carolina forward jarin Stevenson (15), center Henri Veesaar (13) and guard Derek Dixon (3) in the second half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) pulls in the loose ball from North Carolina's Jonathan Powell (11) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Isaiah Evans (3) pulls in the loose ball from North Carolina's Jonathan Powell (11) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) drives around Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Seth Trimble (7) drives around Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) drives to the basket against North Carolina guard Luka Bogavac (44) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke guard Caleb Foster (1) drives to the basket against North Carolina guard Luka Bogavac (44) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer instructs his players after forcing a turnover by North Carolina in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer instructs his players after forcing a turnover by North Carolina in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) blocks a shot by North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Duke forward Maliq Brown (6) blocks a shot by North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) in the first half on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer checks on Caleb Foster (1) after he was injured during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer checks on Caleb Foster (1) after he was injured during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke coach Jon Scheyer talks with guard Caleb Foster (1) after an injury in the first half against North Carolina on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Foster did not return to play and was in a boot on the bench in the second half.
Duke coach Jon Scheyer talks with guard Caleb Foster (1) after an injury in the first half against North Carolina on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Foster did not return to play and was in a boot on the bench in the second half. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) is helped off the floor after being injured during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Caleb Foster (1) is helped off the floor after being injured during the first half of Duke’s game against UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Kyan Evans (0) fouls Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Kyan Evans (0) fouls Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) keeps Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) from the rebound during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) keeps Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) from the rebound during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives around North Carolina's Jarin Stevenson (15) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Cameron Boozer (12) drives around North Carolina's Jarin Stevenson (15) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) heads to slam in two during Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Dame Sarr (7) heads to slam in two during Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) pulls in the loose ball in front of North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke’s Cayden Boozer (2) pulls in the loose ball in front of North Carolina's Henri Veesaar (13) during the second half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer hugs Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) as he comes off the court in the final seconds of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer hugs Duke’s Maliq Brown (6) as he comes off the court in the final seconds of Duke’s 76-61 victory over UNC at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina guard Derek Dixon (3) leaves the court following the Tar Heels’ 76-61 loss to Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
North Carolina guard Derek Dixon (3) leaves the court following the Tar Heels’ 76-61 loss to Duke on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published March 7, 2026 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Battle of the Blues, the sequel: Photos of Duke-UNC basketball rematch."

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