fans in shock after heartbreaking loss to UNC

Duke fans were upset when they saw #4 The Blue Devils fall 71-68 to No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday night.

The Blue Devils have enjoyed a dominant start to the 2025-26 season, shining as one of the best teams in the country. They even have solid evidence to contend for the national championship, having reached the Final Four last year.

However, their hot start in conference play came to a screeching halt after falling to North Carolina on the road, much to the frustration of fans. Here are some of their reactions.

“They won I didn’t take it from them but it should have been a technical to delay the game at the end 🤷🏾‍♂ Can’t wait for them to come to Duke next month,” one fan he said.

“Well, the ACC just earned itself a nice $2 million payday as North Carolina fans, who should be in their seats, storm the field thanks to Seth Trimble hitting a game-winning three at the buzzer,” another noticed.

“That officiating was brutal 16 to 1 in 2nd half fouls called lol. Also why didn’t you get the drunk involved earlier?” one commented.

“It’s not a terrible loss. We just have to consistently figure out how to close out close games,” one he replied.

“Some things never change. Duke hasn’t been the same since the Final Four loss to UNC. That program will never recover from that!” a fan he said.

How Duke played against North Carolina

Duke will need a lot of self-reflection after suffering their second loss of the entire campaign so far.

That included a stunning second-half collapse after leading 41-29 at halftime. The Tar Heels responded on both sides of the ball as they outscored the Blue Devils 42-27 in the final 20 minutes of regulation.

Three players scored in double figures for Duke in the loss. Cameron Boozer led the team with 24 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. He shot 10 of 21 from the field, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc and 2 of 2 from the free throw line. Dame Sarr followed with 13 points and six rebounds, Isaiah Evans had 11 points and two assists, while Caleb Foster had nine points and three assists.

Duke falls to 21-2 overall on the season, going 10-1 in ACC games so far. They are in second place in the conference standings, above the NC State Wolfpack and Virginia Cavaliers. However, they trail the Clemson Tigers for first place.

The No. 4 Blue Devils will look to bounce back in their next matchup, staying on the road. They face the Pittsburgh Panthers and tip-off will take place on February 10th at 9:00 PM ET.