Carolina fans have spent approximately 14 years wondering when they will get to have their Austin Rivers moment against Duke. It was one of the most brutal losses the Tar Heels have faced against their heated rival, not because it ruined the season, but because of what the game always means to both schools. It is also a highlight that gets played on ESPN over…and over….and over again. They probably played it again while this article was being written.
Well, the moment finally arrived last night. After
being down for the entire game, Derek Dixon found Seth Trimble in the corner for a game-winning buzzer beater to put away Duke 71-68. It was the biggest comeback win over the Blue Devils in the last 25 years. There’s almost too much to unpack from this game, both good and bad. Let’s just focus on three takeaways from UNC’s biggest win of the 2025-26 season (so far).
Caleb Wilson outplayed Cameron Boozer
Going into last night’s game, all eyes were on the Caleb Wilson vs. Cameron Boozer matchup. What tends to happen in these games is that one of those players has an off game while the other one goes crazy, and while it kind of played out that way, these two for the most part went tit for tat against one another. Here’s the thing, though: Wilson played a more impressive performance. Allow me to explain.
Wilson went 8-12 for 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, one block, two steals, zero turnovers, and only one foul. He hit multiple tough shots over some tough defense from the Blue Devils, and he even knocked down a rare three-pointer early in the first half. This was probably the best argument that he could’ve made for himself that he is worthy of being a top-three NBA Draft pick, because the way he attacked this game was incredible. On the other side, Boozer went 10-21 for 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two fouls, and four turnovers. He had a really hard time dealing with Wilson guarding him, but it’s worth noting that while Veesaar occasionally made things difficult, it was this particular matchup where Boozer did some damage. He was much stronger in the paint than Veesaar, and he took full advantage.
At the end of the day, Wilson was more efficient, was a better defender, and played the cleaner game. Boozer could very well bounce back when the two face off again in Cameron, but for now, Caleb Wilson wins Round 1.
UNC’s back court almost drowned them
With the exception of the hero of last night’s game, UNC’s back court was pretty abysmal against Duke. Credit to the Blue Devils’ defense, but anybody under 6’10” had an awful time getting good looks at the basket, and when they did it was clear that they were unsettled. Anybody not named Seth Trimble combined for 5-21 from the floor, which is good enough for 23%. Derek Dixon was responsible for three of those made baskets, and if we’re being honest with ourselves, the absence of everyone else should’ve buried the Tar Heels.
Beating one of the best teams in the country shouldn’t be possible with Luka Bogavac and Jonathan Powell being virtually non-existent. If we run this scenario back against the Blue Devils next month, there’s a pretty high chance that they aren’t able to climb out of the hole. Perhaps Dixon being a little more productive would help, but ultimately this group has to not disappear in big moments against really good teams. But to pick things back up, let’s talk about that tough little nut that hit the game-winner.
Seth Trimble deserved the moment he created
Let’s forget about rubbing the salt in Duke’s wound for a moment. Let’s forget about the box score, the X’s and O’s, and just talk about how Seth Trimble deserved this moment. The younger half brother of former Tar Heel JP Tokoto arrived in Chapel Hill to make his own name for himself under Hubert Davis. As the landscape of college basketball evolved before his very eyes, Trimble had many opportunities to go somewhere else, make more money, and well, do what every other college player has been doing from 2022 until now. Still, Trimble stayed. He loves this university, he loves Hubert Davis, and of course, he loves this team. This team that only has two other guys that were on campus this time last year.
You never know if you’re going to ever have a moment like Trimble had last night, and so many players just don’t. Players would love to have a chance to make the entire city of Durham go radio silent, but with the exception of Caleb Love — which, that wasn’t a buzzer beater, but I’m sure it was crickets after that shot — the Tar Heels haven’t done it since 1974. It’s these moments that make players legends. If I were to pick any UNC player to make that shot based on who I thought deserved it, I would pick Trimble without a second thought. Wins are important, but creating moments that will stay with you for the rest of your life is even better. I hope you had a ball on Franklin Street, Seth. You deserve this.
