UNC looking to Start Streak vs. Clemson
by Sharon Thorsland
North Carolina started the second half of the season with a win over Pitt. Granted, it wasn’t easy, as the Tar Heels (14-10, 7-5 ACC) barely escaped with a one point victory. But a win is a win, and the Heels are looking to build on that when they take on Clemson tonight at Littlejohn Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 7:00 on WBT.’
The Tigers went to the Elite Eight a year ago, led by big man PJ Hall. He’s now in the pros but the Tigers haven’t missed a beat. They’re having an outstanding season, sitting at 19-5 overall and 11-2 in the ACC. And they’re not doubt riding high after an impressive upset of #2 Duke on Saturday night. The Tigers have a deep, experienced team. All-ACC forward Ian Schieffelin has taken over for Hall, he’s anchors an impressive front court that scored 40 points in the paint against Duke. Schieffelin averages nearly 13 points and ranks second in the ACC with10.5 rebounds per game. He teams with 6’11 center Viktor Lakhin. The Tar Heels don’t have a lot of height and will need to contain the big men if they have any chance of knocking off the Tigers.
Superstar guard Chase Hunter leads a potent back court that is 15th in the nation in 3-point shooting, making 38.4% of its shots. The sixth-year senior averages over 17 points a game and shoots 3’s at a clip of 43.5%. He’ll no doubt face off against UNC All-American RJ Davis, who came up big in the final moments of the Pitt game to ice the win. The Tigers have another excellent guard in Jaeden Zackery, who averages over 10 points a game.
Will the Tigers have a hangover from their big win over Duke? Clemson upset Duke at home in 2020 and 2023 and followed those wins with losses. UNC is 31-15 at Clemson, winning seven of their last 10 trips to Littlejohn, including last season. But the Heels are in desperation mode, they need a win to keep their hopes alive for an NCAA bid. I say they do it – Go Tar Heels!
