Tar Heels Dominate Rivalry Match with Bonus-Point Barrage Against Duke
The 13th-ranked North Carolina wrestling team showed why they're one of the top squads in the country on Friday night, powering past Duke 25-13 at Carmichael Arena. Fueled by four major decisions and a second-period pin, the Tar Heels delivered a statement win in the 101st meeting between the in-state rivals.
With the victory, Carolina improves to 9-3 overall and evens its ACC dual record at 2-2. More importantly, the Heels extended their dominance over Duke, notching their 10th straight win in the series and 48th in the last 50 matchups. That’s not just a streak-it’s a tradition of control.
Bonus Points Set the Tone Early
The dual opened at 157 pounds, and UNC wasted no time grabbing momentum. Laird Root, ranked No. 28 nationally, set the tone with a commanding 16-6 major decision over Mikey Boulanger.
Just minutes later, Joey Showalter followed with fireworks of his own at 165, sticking Logan Fite with a fall at the 4:58 mark. That six-point swing gave the Tar Heels a jolt, and they never looked back.
Duke answered with a win at 174 pounds, where No. 23 Aidan Wallace secured a 7-1 decision over Collin Carrigan. But any hopes of a Blue Devil rally were quickly shut down.
Dailey and Platt Slam the Door
At 184, Jake Dailey-ranked 13th in the country-put on a clinic. He racked up points at will in a 21-7 major decision over David Hussey, showcasing the kind of offensive pace that makes him a dangerous postseason threat. Robert Platt followed at 197 with a 14-3 major of his own, overwhelming Owen McGrory and stretching the Tar Heel lead even further.
Stinson and Oakley Close It Out
Back down at 125 pounds, Cameron Stinson Jr. delivered one of the grittiest performances of the night. Locked in a tight battle with Spencer von Savoye, Stinson secured a late escape to edge out a 9-8 decision. It marked his first ACC win of the season and his second straight year earning a victory over Duke.
Then came Ethan Oakley at 133, and he made it count. The No. 24-ranked senior from Trinity, N.C., dominated Riley Rowan in a 10-1 major decision that not only capped Carolina’s scoring but also marked Oakley’s 100th career win. A milestone moment in a rivalry setting-that’s the stuff wrestlers dream about.
Duke Finds Bright Spots, But UNC Controls the Night
To their credit, the Blue Devils didn’t go quietly. Raymond Adams pulled out a 7-5 win at 141 over Marco Tocci, and Dylan Ross added a sudden victory decision at 149 against Nate Askew.
At heavyweight, No. 23 Connor Barket closed the dual with a 10-0 major decision over Jacob Levy.
But those wins weren’t enough to overcome Carolina’s bonus-point barrage.
What’s Next
The road doesn’t get any easier for the Tar Heels. Next up is a trip to Blacksburg to face No.
7 Virginia Tech on Friday night. That one’s circled on the calendar.
The Hokies are a powerhouse, and if Carolina wants to make noise in the ACC, this is the kind of test that’ll show exactly where they stand.
But for now, the Tar Heels can enjoy another rivalry win-earned with grit, firepower, and a whole lot of bonus points.
Final Score: No. 13 North Carolina 25, Duke 13
Location: Carmichael Arena, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Attendance: 657
Individual Results:
- 125: Cameron Stinson Jr. (UNC) dec.
Spencer von Savoye (Duke), 9-8
- 133: No.
24 Ethan Oakley (UNC) maj. dec. Riley Rowan (Duke), 10-1
- 141: Raymond Adams (Duke) dec. Marco Tocci (UNC), 7-5
- 149: Dylan Ross (Duke) SV dec. Nate Askew (UNC), 4-1
- 157: No. 28 Laird Root (UNC) maj. dec.
Mikey Boulanger (Duke), 16-6
- 165: Joey Showalter (UNC) fall Logan Fite (Duke), 4:58
- 174: No. 23 Aidan Wallace (Duke) dec.
Collin Carrigan (UNC), 7-1
- 184: No.
13 Jake Dailey (UNC) maj. dec. David Hussey (Duke), 21-7
- 197: Robert Platt (UNC) maj. dec. Owen McGrory (Duke), 14-3
- 285: No. 23 Connor Barket (Duke) maj. dec.
Jacob Levy (UNC), 10-0
The Tar Heels are heating up at the right time. Virginia Tech awaits.