North Carolina fans stormed the court after a buzzer-beater, causing chaos and physical assaults on Duke’s staff, prompting safety concerns and calls for reform.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer said staff members were physically assaulted, including being punched in the face, during a chaotic court storming by North Carolina fans after UNC’s 71-68 victory in a buzzer-beater game on February 7, 2026. Fans rushed the court after a last-second 3-pointer, but officials reviewed the play and required a reset, leading to a second storming that heightened safety concerns. Scheyer expressed distress over the danger to players and staff, with his family helping push fans away. UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham apologized, acknowledging injuries and promising a video review. The incident renewed calls for safer court-storming protocols, following similar events like the 2024 Wake Forest game.