The Duke Blue Devils’ heartbreaking 68-71 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels on February 7, 2026, at the Dean Smith Center has ignited a firestorm of controversy and frustration within the program. In the aftermath of Seth Trimble’s dramatic game-winning three-pointer with just 0.4 seconds left, reports surfaced claiming Duke athletic director Nina King unleashed her fury, labeling the defeat as the “most humiliating loss” against a team perceived as struggling. Sources close to the program indicate King demanded head coach Jon Scheyer take swift, decisive action by removing three players whose performances she deemed unacceptable and deeply disappointing.
The stunning upset saw No. 4 Duke (21-2, 10-1 ACC) squander a double-digit lead, trailing by as many as 13 early but building a comfortable 41-29 halftime advantage. The Blue Devils appeared poised for victory until a late collapse allowed the No. 14 Tar Heels (19-4, 7-3 ACC) to rally with a 42-27 second-half surge. Trimble’s corner triple sealed the deal, handing Duke their first ACC loss and sparking chaotic court-storming incidents that Scheyer later described as “scary,” with claims of staff members being punched amid the frenzy.
Amid the fallout, attention has shifted to internal tensions. While King has not publicly confirmed the exact quotes or demands, insiders reveal her frustration boiled over in private discussions, targeting players who failed to deliver in crunch time. The three players reportedly in the crosshairs are Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and Pat Ngongba — names that have drawn scrutiny for inconsistent play during the rivalry showdown.
Caleb Foster, the junior guard known for his shooting prowess, struggled mightily in the decisive half. Despite his experience, Foster shot poorly from the field and perimeter, contributing to Duke’s dismal 37.5% second-half shooting. Critics pointed to his inability to create separation or hit key shots when the Tar Heels clamped down defensively, leaving fans and reportedly King questioning his reliability in high-pressure moments against arch-rivals.
Isaiah Evans, the dynamic freshman guard, also faced backlash. Tasked with handling late-game inbound responsibilities and providing secondary scoring, Evans fumbled a critical pass in the final seconds, allowing UNC to seal the win without a shot attempt. His turnover symbolized the breakdowns Scheyer highlighted postgame — “three breakdowns in a row” that cost Duke dearly. Evans’ athleticism has been a bright spot all season, but this lapse amplified calls for accountability.
Pat Ngongba, the sophomore big man, fouled out with around six minutes remaining, a pivotal moment that disrupted Duke’s interior presence. His foul trouble limited rotations against UNC’s length, particularly Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson, who exploited mismatches inside. Ngongba’s defensive lapses and inability to stay on the floor in crunch time reportedly fueled King’s ire, as the Blue Devils surrendered easy looks that fueled UNC’s comeback.
The reported demands from King underscore a high-stakes environment at Duke, where expectations remain sky-high even after Coach K’s era. Scheyer, in his postgame comments, focused on the game’s competitive nature and safety concerns rather than individual blame, praising UNC’s resilience while noting the heartbreak for his squad. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 24 points and 11 rebounds, earning praise for his effort, while Dame Sarr added 13 points in a solid supporting role. Yet the spotlight remains on those who faltered.
This isn’t the first time player performances have sparked debate in Tobacco Road clashes, but the alleged push for immediate roster changes adds unprecedented drama. If King’s reported ultimatum holds weight, it could force Scheyer into tough decisions — benchings, reduced roles, or even transfers — ahead of the stretch run and March Madness. Duke’s talent pool runs deep with freshmen like the Boozer brothers and veterans like Maliq Brown, but losing momentum from a rivalry defeat could ripple outward.
Fans have flooded social media with reactions, some echoing the frustration over missed opportunities and questionable late-game execution. Clips of the final possessions circulate widely, dissecting every decision. Meanwhile, UNC celebrates a historic comeback — their largest against Duke in 25 years — with Trimble emerging as a hero and Wilson dropping 23 points in a dominant first half.
For Duke, the loss stings beyond the scoreboard. It tests the program’s resolve under Scheyer, who has navigated the post-Krzyzewski transition admirably with a 21-2 record entering the game. King’s reported fury signals zero tolerance for subpar efforts in defining matchups, especially against a heated rival.
As the investigation into the court-storming continues and the ACC reviews potential fines, the bigger story brews internally. Will Scheyer heed the athletic director’s call and make cuts? Or will the Blue Devils rally, using this setback as fuel for a championship push? The answers could define the 2025-26 season.
One thing is clear: in the relentless world of Duke basketball, even near-perfect records leave no room for excuses. The pressure is on, and the names Foster, Evans, and Ngongba now carry extra weight as the program seeks redemption. This rivalry chapter closes with questions, but the next one promises fireworks.
