Helena Frye
The Wofford Terriers men's basketball team has had its fair share of successes and setbacks over the years, with several notable upsets against highly ranked opponents. One of their most memorable victories was their historic win over the No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels in 2017, which marked their first victory against a Top 5 opponent in the school's history. This triumph put the Wofford program in the spotlight and earned them respect within the basketball community. Wofford has also achieved other impressive wins, such as defeating Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, and Virginia Tech. However, they have also experienced some setbacks, such as a narrow loss to Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament and a controversial finish to the 2019-20 season due to COVID-19 disruptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of upset | December 21, 2017 |
| Opponent | No. 5 UNC Tar Heels |
| Score | 84-68 |
| Venue | Home court of the defending national champions |
| Previous record against ranked teams | 0-22 |
| Previous record against UNC | 1-1 since 1926 |
| Wofford player with most points | Guard Fletcher Magee (27 points) |
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What You'll Learn
Wofford beats No. 5 UNC
The Wofford Terriers men's basketball team pulled off a historic upset on December 20, 2017, defeating the No. 5 UNC Tar Heels on their home court in Chapel Hill. This was a significant moment for the program as it was their first win against a ranked opponent and their first victory over a Top 5 opponent in school history.
Wofford, led by coach Mike Young, put up a tough fight against the Tar Heels. The Terriers led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but UNC mounted a furious comeback, narrowing the gap to a single point twice in the final four minutes. However, Wofford remained resilient and pulled off the victory with a final score of 79-75.
Guard Fletcher Magee played a pivotal role in the win, scoring 27 points and making crucial shots throughout the game. Magee, the country's top 3-point shooter, went 10 of 23 from the floor and 4 of 12 from the 3-point line. His performance extended his double-figure scoring streak to 57 consecutive games, the second-longest in the nation.
The victory put the Wofford program in the spotlight and garnered respect from coaches and analysts alike. Mercer coach Bob Hoffman praised Young's offensive and defensive strategies, highlighting the team's toughness and ability to execute different plays effectively.
Prior to this win, Wofford had a record of 0-22 against ranked teams, making their upset over the Tar Heels even more remarkable. This victory not only boosted Wofford's reputation but also demonstrated the competitiveness of the Southern Conference in taking down prominent opponents.
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Wofford's first win against a Top 5 opponent
The Wofford Terriers men's basketball team has had some notable successes in recent years. Representing Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Terriers compete in Division I of the NCAA and have appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament six times, most recently in 2025.
One of their most memorable victories came on December 20, 2017, when they defeated the defending national champion North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. This was a significant upset for the Terriers as they beat the Tar Heels on their home court, marking Wofford's first win against a ranked opponent and their first victory over a Top 5 opponent in the school's history.
The game resulted in a score of 63-60, with Wofford's star guard Fletcher Magee scoring 27 points. Magee's impressive performance included four three-pointers, showcasing his talent as a leading scorer. This win put the Wofford basketball program in the spotlight and earned them respect within the basketball community.
Prior to this victory, Wofford had a record of 0-22 against ranked teams, so this win against the Tar Heels was a breakthrough moment for the program. It demonstrated the team's toughness and resolve, and their ability to execute effective offensive and defensive strategies. The win also highlighted the coaching prowess of their coach, whose strategic use of his players' strengths was instrumental in the upset.
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Wofford's upset over No. 5 UNC sparks respect for their program
Wofford College's men's basketball team, the Terriers, has had several notable wins and achievements over the years. The team has appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament six times, most recently in 2025. They have won four regular-season SoCon titles and five SoCon Tournament Championships.
One of their most notable upsets was their historic win over the No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels on December 20, 2017, on the defending national champions' home court. This was the first Wofford win against a ranked and Top 5 opponent in the school's history. Guard Fletcher Magee scored 27 points against the Tar Heels, and his performance was described as "staggering" by Young.
The win brought Wofford and its program into the spotlight and earned them respect from coaches and commentators. Mercer coach Bob Hoffman praised Wofford's coach, Young, for his effective use of his players' strengths and for running a tight defensive system. Hoffman also acknowledged the difficulty of preparing for Wofford, highlighting the respect he had for Young and his coaching.
Wofford's success in recent years has been notable, with the team being nationally ranked for the first time in school history during the 2018-19 season. They have also had other impressive wins, including against Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina State, and Xavier.
The Terriers continue to strive for success under the leadership of coach Dwight Perry, who took over the program in 2022. Wofford's recent performances, including their upset over No. 5 UNC, have undoubtedly sparked respect for their program within the basketball community.
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Wofford beats North Carolina for the first time since 1926
The Wofford Terriers men's basketball team has had its fair share of successes, but one particular upset stands out in recent memory: their victory over the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels in December 2017. This win was significant not just because it was against a highly-ranked opponent but also because it was the first time Wofford had defeated UNC since 1926.
Wofford's basketball team, representing Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has had a notable run in Division I of the NCAA. They compete in the Southern Conference and have appeared in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament several times, with a current record of 1-5. While they have experienced success within their conference, the victory over UNC was a landmark moment for the program.
UNC, a storied basketball program, presented a formidable challenge. The game, which took place on December 20, 2017, at UNC's home court, ended with a Wofford victory, marking their first win against a Top 5 opponent in school history. It was also only the second time these two teams had faced each other since 1926, with the Tar Heels winning the previous encounter in 2015 by a significant margin.
Wofford's historic win put their program in the spotlight. Guard Fletcher Magee, who scored 27 points against the Tar Heels, was instrumental in the victory. Wofford's coach, Young, expressed his pride in the team's achievement, acknowledging the toughness and resolve necessary to pull off the upset. This win demonstrated the program's potential and served as a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The victory over UNC was a pivotal moment for the Wofford Terriers, showcasing their ability to compete against top-ranked opponents. It also highlighted the team's resilience and determination, which have contributed to their success within their conference and beyond. This upset will forever be cherished by the Wofford community as a testament to the program's growth and potential.
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Wofford's historic win over No. 5 North Carolina on the defending national champions' home court
The Wofford Terriers men's basketball team has had several notable wins and achievements over the years. One of the most memorable moments in the team's history occurred on December 20, 2017, when they defeated the No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels on the defending national champions' home court. This win was historic for Wofford, as it was their first victory against a ranked opponent and their first win against a Top 5 opponent in school history.
Wofford's win over North Carolina put the team and its program into the spotlight. Guard Fletcher Magee, who scored 27 points against the Tar Heels, received particular attention for his impressive scoring streak and 3-point shooting prowess. The team's success was also a testament to the coaching abilities of Coach Mike Young, who received praise from Mercer coach Bob Hoffman for his strategic use of staggered screens and ability to play to his players' strengths.
This victory was especially significant as it marked only the second time Wofford and North Carolina had played each other since 1926. The previous meeting between the two teams took place in 2015, with the Tar Heels winning by a significant margin of 20 points. Wofford's win in 2017, therefore, showcased the team's growth and improvement.
The 2017 season was a standout year for the Wofford Terriers. In addition to their landmark win over North Carolina, they also defeated other notable opponents such as Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia, North Carolina State, and Virginia Tech. That season, Wofford set an NCAA record by making 17 out of 21 shots from the three-point line against VMI. The team's success culminated in them qualifying for the NCAA tournament, marking their third appearance in five years.
Wofford College's basketball team has continued to build on its successes and has established itself as a competitive force in Division I of the NCAA. The program has earned respect for its tough gameplay and strategic coaching, and its players have been recognised for their character and academic achievements. Wofford's historic win over the No. 5 North Carolina Tar Heels will forever be cherished by the team and its fans as a testament to their determination and skill.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Wofford College's basketball team, the Wofford Terriers, has caused several upsets. In 2017, the team beat the No.5 UNC Tar Heels, their first win against a Top 5 opponent. In 2019, they defeated Seton Hall in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Guard Fletcher Magee scored 27 points, and Cameron Johnson made his debut for North Carolina, scoring 10.
Yes, in 2021, Wofford was upset by 7th-seed Mercer, losing 62-61. In 2025, they lost to Tennessee 77-62 in the NCAA Tournament.
The Wofford Terriers have appeared six times in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, most recently in 2025. They have won four regular-season SoCon titles and five SoCon Tournament Championships. They currently hold a 1-5 record in the NCAA Tournament.
