Top-ranked Northwestern defeated No. 2 North Carolina 14-11, leaning on a second-half surge to pull clear of the Tar Heels in a matchup that lived up to its billing. The Wildcats improved to 19-3 with the win, while North Carolina dropped to 19-2.
What decided it was simple: Northwestern found another gear when the margin tightened. The Wildcats generated enough separation down the stretch to keep the Tar Heels at arm's length, never letting a 14-11 lead feel truly threatened in the closing moments.
For Northwestern, the victory reinforces why they sit at No. 1 — and sends a message 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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