Top-ranked Northwestern defeated No. 2 North Carolina 14-11, using a relentless offensive surge to outlast the Tar Heels in a matchup of the nation's two best teams. The three-goal margin tells the story: Northwestern found answers in every critical moment, and the Wildcats' attack simply outproduced a North Carolina defense that had been elite all season.
The win moves Northwestern to 19-3 and reinforces why they sit at No. 1. The Tar Heels drop to 19-2, and while the loss stings, it came against the only program ranked above them.
For Northwestern, this is a statement victory that cements their standing heading into the postseason. For North Carolina, it's a reminder that the margin at the top is razor-thin — and the rematch, if it comes, is the one everyone will want to watch.
Data via ESPN · Summarized by D1Ball's editorial engine from official statistics.
More from the newsroom