In a commanding performance at Littlejohn Coliseum, the No. 23 Clemson Men’s Basketball(20-5, 12-2 ACC) dismantled the North Carolina Tar Heels(14-11, 7-6 ACC) 85-65 on Monday night, tying their largest margin of victory over UNC in program history. Led by Viktor Lakhin’s stellar 22-point outing and a balanced team effort, Clemson showcased why they are a force to be reckoned with in the ACC this season. The Tigers improved to 18-1 when leading at halftime, a testament to their ability to close out games with authority. With this win, Clemson’s record now stands at **20-5**, further solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the conference.
“Obviously, a great win for us,” Brad Brownell said. “I’m proud of the way our guys have bounced back over the last two games. We played very well. Tonight was a little different—we made a bunch of threes. That’s what makes us a good team; we can beat you in different ways. I thought our defense was solid.”
Brad Brownell
First Half: Clemson Sets the Tone
The game began with a flurry of action as Viktor Lakhin drained a three-pointer to open the scoring for Clemson. The teams traded baskets early, and by the first media timeout, the game was tied at 9-9 with 15:51 left in the half. However, Clemson began to assert control shortly after. A pivotal and-one play by Zackery gave the Tigers a 14-11 lead with 13:39 remaining, and they never looked back.
Clemson’s defense clamped down, holding UNC scoreless for over three minutes during an 8-0 run that extended their lead to 17-11. Lakhin and Chase Hunter then hit back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the score to 27-23. By the third media timeout, Clemson had built a 30-25 advantage, and their momentum only grew from there.
The Tigers closed the half on a dominant note, going on a 7-0 run while shooting 5-for-7 from the field. Their defense was equally impressive, holding UNC scoreless for the final 3:31 of the half. Clemson entered the break with a commanding 49-33 lead, fueled by Lakhin’s 20-point explosion on 8-for-11 shooting. The Tigers’ balanced attack also featured contributions from Schieffelin (5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) and Foster (4 points, 4 rebounds).
Second Half: Clemson Pulls Away
Clemson wasted no time extending their lead in the second half. Chase Hunter opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and moments later, he delivered a highlight-reel block on a runaway layup attempt by UNC’s RJ Davis. Jaeden Zackery followed with another and-one layup, pushing the lead to 55-37 with 17:27 left.
The Tigers’ defense continued to stifle the Tar Heels, holding them scoreless for stretches while the offense remained efficient. Back-to-back baskets by Hunter extended the lead to 65-44 by the second media timeout at the 11:12 mark. Clemson’s dominance was on full display as Heidbreder, Zackery, and D. Hunter combined for a flurry of points, including a three-pointer that ballooned the lead to 74-48 with seven minutes remaining.
By the final media timeout, Clemson led 77-55, and the outcome was all but decided. Chase Hunter punctuated the victory with a thunderous dunk at the 2:12 mark, putting an exclamation point on a night to remember for the Tigers.
Key Performers
Viktor Lakhin was the star of the night, finishing with 22 points on 9-for-16 shooting and adding six rebounds. His ability to dominate in the paint and stretch the floor with his shooting was instrumental in Clemson’s success. Zackery also shone, contributing 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a well-rounded performance. Chase Hunter, who started the second half with a bang, added key defensive plays and timely scoring to keep the Tar Heels at bay.
When Victor Lakhin was asked if he ever imagined Clemson beating three basketball blue bloods—Kentucky, Duke, and UNC—in the same season, his response was simple and bold: “We are blue bloods now!”
For UNC, it was a night to forget. The Tar Heels struggled to find offensive rhythm against Clemson’s suffocating defense and were unable to contain the Tigers’ balanced attack.
What’s Next for Clemson?
With this victory, Clemson improves to 20-5 on the season and solidifies their position as a top contender in the ACC. The Tigers’ ability to dominate both ends of the floor makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. Head coach Brad Brownell will look to build on this momentum as Clemson prepares for a tough stretch of conference games.
Clemson’s 85-65 victory over UNC was a statement win that showcased their depth, discipline, and dominance. With Viktor Lakhin leading the charge and a supporting cast firing on all cylinders, the Tigers look poised to make a deep run in the ACC and beyond. As the season progresses, Clemson’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity will make them a team to watch in the race for conference supremacy.
