Clemson ruins Duke-UNC trilogy by ending Tar Heels’ ACC run

Clemson ruins Duke-UNC trilogy by ending Tar Heels’ ACC run originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Clemson survived a furious late rally from North Carolina to secure an 80-79 victory in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals Thursday night at Spectrum Center.

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The fifth-seeded Tigers appeared in control for much of the second half before the Tar Heels stormed back with a barrage of three-pointers. North Carolina hit five straight shots from beyond the arc in the final minutes, trimming what had been a double-digit deficit to a single point with 2.7 seconds remaining.

The Tar Heels had one final opportunity, but a desperation heave at the buzzer fell well short, allowing Clemson to hold on and advance to the semifinals.

The result ending the possibility of Duke facing UNC for a season trilogy in the rivalry. However, the matchup would look drastically different with Caleb Wilson out. The freshman was the star of first meeting, nailing a game winner over the Blue Devils.

Nick Davidson led the way for Clemson with a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He shot 5-for-6 from the field and knocked down all four of his attempts from three-point range. Clemson shot 47% from beyond the arc as a team.

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Clemson built its largest lead at 61-43 midway through the second half after a three-pointer from Davidson. The Tigers still led 69-54 with under five minutes remaining before North Carolina began its late surge.

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Henri Veesaar sparked the comeback with a late three-pointer as the Tar Heels cut the margin to one possession in the closing seconds. But it wasn’t UNC’s night.

Clemson will face top-seeded Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals Friday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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Publish date : 2026-03-13 05:18:00

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