Top-ranked Northwestern defeated #2 North Carolina 14-11, using a relentless second-half push to pull away from the Tar Heels and cement the showdown between the nation's two best records. The difference was poise under pressure — the Wildcats created separation down the stretch and never let the lead slip.
Northwestern improved to 19-3, finding answers every time North Carolina threatened to close the gap. The Tar Heels, now 19-2, had the firepower to keep pace early but couldn't match the Wildcats' finishing kick when the margin tightened.
For Northwestern, this is the kind of complete effort that signals readiness for whatever comes next in championship play. For North Carolina, it's a rare loss against elite competition — and a reminder that the gap between #1 and #2 can come down to a few decisive possessions.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
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