North Carolina Tar Heels at Clemson Tigers

Lakhin leads No. 23 Clemson to 85-65 win over North Carolina

Chase Hunter added 19 points with four 3s for the Tigers (20-5, 12-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), who followed up their 77-71 win over then-No. 2 Duke on Saturday night with a dominant showing against the Tar Heels (14-11, 7-6).

It's the first time Clemson has beaten Duke and North Carolina in the same year since the 2019-20 season.

While the Duke game was tight throughout, Clemson took control of this one early. All but two of Lakhin’s points came in the first half, and the 6-foot-11 Cincinnati transfer also finished with five of Clemson’s eight blocks.

The Tigers were up 49-33 at the break, and North Carolina never made a second-half charge.

R.J. Davis led UNC with 18 points.

Takeaways North Carolina: The Tar Heels were hoping to begin a late push for an NCAA bid. Instead, they struggled from long distance and at the foul line.

Clemson: The Tigers have lost just once in their past nine games — in double overtime to Georgia Tech at home last week — and appear a legitimate threat to win the program's second ACC regular-season title.

Key moment Davis’ 3-pointer put North Carolina ahead 23-21 midway through the first half. That’s when Lakhin followed with a 3 to start a 28-10 burst to end the half.

Key stat Clemson reached 20 wins for a third straight season and the seventh time in coach Brad Brownell’s 15 seasons.

Up next North Carolina plays at Syracuse on Saturday night.

Clemson visits Florida State on Saturday.

How can I watch North Carolina vs. Clemson?

• TV Channel: North Carolina at Clemson 2021 College Basketball, week 15, is broadcasted on ESPN.
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