CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina senior Seth Trimble etched his name into the storied UNC-Duke rivalry with a thrilling last-second three-pointer. His shot not only secured a narrow victory for the Tar Heels but also instantly became a part of basketball history. Trimble’s basket brought North Carolina from behind to win 71-68, marking their first lead of the night.
“It’s special,” Trimble said, reflecting on the moment. “I’ll remember this forever. Celebrating with my teammates and seeing the fans storm the court is something I’ll cherish.”
After Trimble’s shot, UNC fans rushed the court, creating an electric atmosphere. Tensions escalated when officials put 0.4 seconds back on the clock, leading to another storming of the court after Duke’s final play ended without a shot. Duke coach Jon Scheyer voiced concerns about safety during the chaos.
In a time when college athletes frequently transfer, Trimble has spent his entire career at North Carolina, improving his scoring average each year—from 1.8 points as a freshman to 14.1 this season. “That shot was made by the perfect person at the right time,” said UNC coach Hubert Davis. “He has dedicated himself to this program, and he deserves this moment.”
The matchup was not just about Trimble, though. Freshmen Caleb Wilson from UNC and Cameron Boozer from Duke also showcased their skills, contributing significantly to the game. Wilson led his team with 23 points, while Boozer scored 24 points and secured 11 rebounds. This intense rivalry continued to shine a spotlight on the potential of young players.
For most of the game, Duke appeared in control. They led by as many as 13 points in the first half and maintained a lead of 68-62 with just 2:25 left. But the Tar Heels fought back. Freshman Derek Dixon’s three-pointer and Henri Veesaar’s late-game bucket tied things up, setting the stage for Trimble’s heroic moment.
In the end, Trimble’s decisive shot felt like destiny. He described feeling confident as soon as he released the ball. “I knew it was good,” he recollected. His shot will forever be remembered alongside other iconic moments in UNC basketball history, like Luke Maye’s winning jumper against Kentucky in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
Fans and former players celebrated Trimble’s achievement. “You cemented yourself now,” former UNC player Theo Pinson told him, highlighting the weight of this victory. Trimble opened up about his journey, including overcoming an injury earlier in the season. “This is what I came here for,” he said, visibly emotional. “It means a lot. Moments like this have defined my time here.”
Trimble’s performance not only adds a new chapter to the rivalry but also resonates with many fans who love the sport. This game is a reminder of how a single moment can shape a player’s legacy, showcasing the heart and dedication found in college basketball.
Source link
UNC sports, Seth Trimble, Duke sports, college basketball, ACC basketball
