Feb. 11, 2026, 8:01 a.m. ET

Tuesday night was everything Tar Heel Nation feared, especially coming off the first installation of UNC-Duke basketball.

Hangover or not, the UNC basketball team largely struggled from opening tip on Tuesday night, losing 75-66 to a resurgent Miami (FL) squad. North Carolina (19-5, 7-4 ACC) kept the game close throughout and had several chances to take their first lead, but never took advantage of its opportunities.

The Hurricanes (19-5, 8-3 ACC) bullied the Tar Heels down low, earning themselves a 46-28 paint points advantage. Miami got way too many second-chance point opportunities, collecting 12 offensive rebounds against a UNC team that struggled boxing out.

Caleb Wilson only made four shots from the field and turned the ball over twice, but he recorded three blocks. Henri Veesaar had just two second-half points, not able to make his usual dominant impact. Jarin Stevenson delivered with a 13-point, 6-rebound night, while North Carolina’s bench kept it within fighting distance, led by eight points from backup point guard Kyan Evans.

Malik Reneau and Ernest Udeh Jr. each registered double-doubles for the Hurricanes, who picked up a needed win for their NCAA Tournament chances. Miami travels to NC State on Valentine’s Day, while the Tar Heels look to respond against Pitt.

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You shouldn’t be too concerned about this loss, mainly due to the fact UNC suffered a post-Duke-win hangover. If North Carolina faces the Hurricanes in ACC Tournament action, expect a different result.

As you prepare for Saturday’s game, take a look at several social media reactions. Fans aren’t as happy as the neutral tone in this story.

Caleb Wilson’s face says it allGeneral Wilson is always here to cheer Tar Heel Nation upPostgame thoughtsChances at an ACC Tournament double-bye? Slim.We love the mockery of Duke’s postgame complainingMiami definitely deserves to court stormWe are laughing too!Lack of leadership in recent games concerning?Expected loss…Wilson shouldn’t warrant any blameYou can’t always blame Hubert Davis for lack of on-court success.Simultaneously, does Hubert Davis deserve blame for tonight?Is there a point guard problem in Chapel Hill?Seth Trimble struggled tonightIt’s not ideal.Miami deserves to be in the Big Dance now.Mocking Jon Scheyer will never stop being funny. Violence isn’t cool though.Again, very well-deserved.