North Carolina Tops Duke in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 6:30 PM ET · Dean E. Smith Center
North Carolina Tar Heels 71, Duke Blue Devils 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Duke Blue Devils vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels beat Duke Blue Devils 71-68 at Dean E. Smith Center on February 7, 2026.
Who was favored in Duke Blue Devils vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
Duke Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -270 (about 73% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the North Carolina Tar Heels edged out the Duke Blue Devils with a final score of 71-68 at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 7, 2026. This victory not only marked a significant win for North Carolina but also ended their previous three-game losing streak against Duke, showcasing the intensity and rivalry of this storied matchup.
North Carolina entered the game with a home record of 19-4 and a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, riding a four-game winning streak. The Tar Heels averaged 87.0 points scored while allowing 77.8 points in those games, indicating a high-scoring style of play. Their last five games reflected an average of 86.4 points scored and 77.0 points allowed, emphasizing their offensive capabilities. In contrast, Duke boasted an impressive away record of 21-2 and had not lost in their last ten games, with a scoring average of 80.5 points and allowing only 64.8 points. This stark difference in defensive performance highlighted the challenge North Carolina faced against a Duke team that had been dominating their opponents.
The game started with both teams exchanging baskets, but it was Duke who initially took control, leading 64-58 midway through the second half. However, North Carolina responded with a series of critical plays, including a layup by Cayden Boozer and a hook shot from Henri Veesaar, narrowing the gap. As the game progressed, North Carolina's Seth Trimble hit a crucial 24-foot three-point jumper, giving the Tar Heels a late lead at 71-68, which they held onto until the final buzzer.
In terms of home and away performance, North Carolina remained unbeaten at home with a record of 5-0 in their last five home games, while Duke had a perfect away record of 5-0 as well. This matchup was pivotal not only for standings but also for the psychological edge it provided to the winning team in this fierce rivalry.
Injuries were not a significant factor in this game, as both teams fielded their key players, allowing for a full-strength contest. The market had priced Duke as 6.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 152.5 points. This reflected the expectations of a high-scoring affair, which ultimately lived up to its billing, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess.
The conditions in the Dean E. Smith Center were conducive to a thrilling game, with a lively crowd that added to the atmosphere. Fans were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides, making it a memorable encounter in the college basketball season.
Viewers should have watched for the standout performances from key players, particularly from North Carolina’s Seth Trimble, who played a crucial role in the game's decisive moments. The ability of both teams to execute under pressure was evident, especially in the final minutes, where every possession counted. This game not only highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball but also set the stage for future encounters between these two rivals.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DUKE -6.5 | 152.5 o -108 / u -112 | Duke Blue Devils -270 · North Carolina Tar Heels +220 |
Leaders
- PointsCaleb Wilson23North Carolina Tar Heels
- AssistsDerek Dixon4North Carolina Tar Heels
- ReboundsHenri Veesaar11North Carolina Tar Heels
- PointsCameron Boozer24Duke Blue Devils
- AssistsCameron Boozer3Duke Blue Devils
- ReboundsCameron Boozer11Duke Blue Devils
Recent form
North Carolina Tar Heels
Last 10: 7-3Streak W487 scored · 77.8 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W87-77vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 3
- W91-75at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 31
- W85-80at Virginia CavaliersJan 24
- W91-69vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 22
- L78-84at California Golden BearsJan 17
- L90-95at Stanford CardinalJan 15
- W87-84vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 10
- L83-97at SMU MustangsJan 3
- W79-66vs Florida State SeminolesDec 31
- W99-51vs East Carolina PiratesDec 23
Duke Blue Devils
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1080.5 scored · 64.8 allowed per game5-0 away
- W67-49vs Boston College EaglesFeb 4
- W72-58at Virginia Tech HokiesJan 31
- W83-52vs Louisville CardinalsJan 27
- W90-69vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 24
- W80-50at Stanford CardinalJan 17
- W71-56at California Golden BearsJan 15
- W82-75vs SMU MustangsJan 10
- W84-73at Louisville CardinalsJan 7
- W91-87at Florida State SeminolesJan 3
- W85-79vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsDec 31
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Duke Blue Devils | North Carolina Tar Heels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-62 | 26-55 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 8-19 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 42 |
| Free throws | 5-6 | 11-14 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 22 |
| Assists | 14 | 9 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 8 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 22 |
| Fouls | 15 | 7 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 94 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half30-24Isaiah Evans makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 1st Half30-27Luka Bogavac makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jarin Stevenson assists)
- 1st Half31-27Cameron Boozer makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half32-27Cameron Boozer makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half35-27Dame Sarr makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Evans assists)
- 1st Half38-27Cameron Boozer makes 26-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 1st Half38-29Caleb Wilson makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half41-29Cayden Boozer makes 25-foot three point jumper (Cameron Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half41-31Caleb Wilson makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half41-33Caleb Wilson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-33Caleb Foster makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half44-35Seth Trimble makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half46-35Cameron Boozer makes layup
- 2nd Half46-38Jarin Stevenson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Henri Veesaar assists)
- 2nd Half49-38Dame Sarr makes 24-foot three point jumper (Isaiah Evans assists)
- 2nd Half49-39Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-40Seth Trimble makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-42Henri Veesaar makes layup (Derek Dixon assists)
- 2nd Half49-44Jarin Stevenson makes layup (Derek Dixon assists)
- 2nd Half51-44Isaiah Evans makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-46Henri Veesaar makes layup
- 2nd Half53-46Cameron Boozer makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-46Cameron Boozer makes 1-foot dunk (Dame Sarr assists)
- 2nd Half55-48Caleb Wilson makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-48Cameron Boozer makes layup (Maliq Brown assists)
- 2nd Half57-50Henri Veesaar makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half59-50Cameron Boozer makes layup
- 2nd Half59-52Derek Dixon makes 6-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half59-53Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-53Cameron Boozer makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cayden Boozer assists)
- 2nd Half62-55Henri Veesaar makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-58Derek Dixon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half64-58Cayden Boozer makes layup
- 2nd Half64-60Henri Veesaar makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half66-60Cameron Boozer makes layup
- 2nd Half66-62Seth Trimble makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half68-62Caleb Foster makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-65Derek Dixon makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-68Henri Veesaar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derek Dixon assists)
- 2nd Half68-71Seth Trimble makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derek Dixon assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Tar Heels, below favours Duke Blue Devils.
Venue
- Dean E. Smith CenterChapel Hill, NC
- Attendance21750
- OfficialsBrian O'Connell, Ron Groover, Bill Covington Jr.
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond