Top-ranked Northwestern defended home turf with a 14-11 win over #2 North Carolina, using a relentless second-half surge to pull away from the Tar Heels in a matchup that lived up to its billing.
The difference was depth and discipline. Northwestern (19-3) found scoring from across the roster, while North Carolina (19-2) couldn't string together enough stops to flip the momentum. Every time the Tar Heels threatened to close the gap, the Wildcats had an answer — a hallmark of a team that has been battle-tested all season.
For Northwestern, this is a statement win that reinforces their grip on the #1 spot heading into the postseason conversation. For North Carolina, it's a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar résumé — and a reminder that the road to a title still runs through Evanston.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
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