Seth Trimble, a four-year veteran for the North Carolina Tar Heels, secured a dramatic 71-68 victory over No. 4 Duke with a last-second three-pointer. The shot, Trimble's only long-range attempt of the game, happened at the Dean Smith Center on Saturday night. This moment immediately etched his name into the storied history of the rivalry.
Key Takeaways
- Seth Trimble hit a game-winning three-pointer against Duke, sealing a 71-68 victory for UNC.
- This shot was Trimble's only three-point attempt of the entire game.
- Trimble has remained with UNC for all four seasons, a rarity in modern college basketball.
- Head Coach Hubert Davis praised Trimble's commitment and character, calling him "the perfect person" for the moment.
- The shot is compared to other iconic UNC game-winners, including Luke Maye's 2017 shot against Kentucky.
A Shot for the Ages
The ball left Seth Trimble's hand, traveled through the air, and swished through the net. Approximately two seconds passed, but in that brief moment, Trimble became a permanent part of UNC basketball lore. The corner three-pointer completed an epic comeback for the Tar Heels against their archrival.
The crowd of 21,750 fans erupted. Videos of the shot are now circulating widely, destined to be replayed for years to come. This single play places Trimble alongside other Tar Heel legends like Marvin Williams, Walter Davis, and Caleb Love, all of whom delivered decisive shots against the Blue Devils.
"It's a surreal feeling," Trimble said after the game, still beaming. "I haven't even thought about that. When I go to sleep tonight, that's the only thing that's gonna be on my mind."
Did You Know?
Seth Trimble's game-winning shot against Duke was his first and only three-point attempt during the entire game, making the moment even more unexpected and impactful.
Defying Modern Trends
In an era where college athletes frequently transfer, Trimble has chosen a different path. He has stayed at UNC for all four seasons, a testament to his loyalty and commitment to the program. This dedication is notable, especially considering he briefly entered the transfer portal in 2024 before deciding to return.
Trimble even outlasted his older brother, J.P. Tokoto, who left Chapel Hill for professional basketball after three years in 2015. Despite never being the primary star, Trimble has consistently contributed to the team. He has often played in the shadows of teammates like Caleb Love, R.J. Davis, and Armando Bacot.
The Unsung Hero's Journey
Entering the 2025-26 offseason, Trimble was the lone returning rotation player. He appeared ready to step into a more prominent role. However, freshman Caleb Wilson quickly emerged, electrifying college basketball with his play. This shift did not deter Trimble.
He maintained his consistent performance, even after a significant setback. In November, a freak accident in the weight room resulted in a broken arm, sidelining him for several games. Since his return, Trimble had scored in double figures in nine of 11 games leading up to the Duke matchup, twice reaching 20 points.
A History of Clutch Shots
UNC has a rich history of game-winning shots, particularly against Duke. These moments often define careers and become legendary within the rivalry. Trimble's shot now joins a celebrated list of clutch plays that fans will remember for generations.
Coach Davis on Trimble's Impact
Head Coach Hubert Davis spoke highly of Trimble following the game. He emphasized Trimble's character and what he means to the team and the program. Davis believes the shot happened to the right person.
"It happened to the perfect person," Hubert Davis stated. "He should be celebrated. What he's meant to me, what he's meant to this team and this program, the commitment that he has for this place… he'll be remembered for the rest of his life in Carolina history. I couldn't think of a better person to have that with him."
Trimble himself struggled to fully grasp the magnitude of the moment. His voice wavered slightly as he spoke about his journey to this point.
"This is what I came here for, man," Trimble said. "It means a lot… this is what I came here for. Moments like this, games like this. To be that kind of player for my team, it means everything."
Teammates and Legends React
The reaction from Trimble's teammates was immediate and confident. Jarin Stevenson watched the shot arc through the air, certain of its outcome. "I saw it going straight in," he said.
Derek Dixon, who made the pass to Trimble, simply knew it was good. "That's good," Dixon recalled thinking. Trimble himself felt the same. "I knew it was good," he confirmed.
Moment of Immortality
A reporter noted that Trimble's shot was the latest game-winner for the Tar Heels since Luke Maye's shot against Kentucky in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Trimble vividly remembered watching Maye's shot on TV as an uncommitted prospect.
The moment resonated deeply with Trimble, connecting him to the history he grew up watching. He recalled icons like Marcus Paige and Coby White, who delivered clutch plays when needed.
"I grew up watching Marcus Paige make clutch play after clutch play," Trimble shared. "I grew up watching Coby White get a bucket whenever it was needed. So to be able to step up in a moment like that and put myself in that history book, it's a surreal feeling."
Post-Game Celebrations
As reporters concluded their interviews, Trimble's teammates were already heading towards Franklin Street, the traditional site of UNC victory celebrations. Trimble eyed them, eager to join.
Even former Tar Heel Theo Pinson, who delivered the pass to Luke Maye in 2017, made his way to Trimble. Pinson embraced Trimble, yelling, "You cemented now! You a legend!"
Trimble eventually navigated his way out of the media scrum, one of the last players remaining in the facility. He changed out of his uniform and stepped out into a changed world. Those steps marked the beginning of a new chapter for Seth Trimble, now forever a legend in Carolina history.