Clemson Snaps Their Losing Streak In Chapel Hill Sending North Carolina To Their Third Straight Loss

0-59 that was Clemson’s record in Chapel Hill before they met in their most recent matchup at the Dean E. Smith Center.

After it turned into a 1-59 record.

Making history at the Dean E. Smith Center, the Clemson University men’s basketball team put an end to a longstanding streak on Saturday, defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels on the road for the first time in program history. Taking part in their 60th all-time meeting with North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Clemson produced a fervent comeback late in the second half and won 79-76 in overtime. As a result, Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell picked up his 177th win as the leader of the Tigers, tying Cliff Ellis for the most all-time wins by a Clemson head coach. “according to https://clemsontigers.com/tigers-defeat-tar-heels-in-overtime-for-historic-win-in-chapel-hill/

Both teams let it fly from beyond the arc on the day. Clemson (8-7, 2-3) knocked down 12-of-31 3-pointers on the day, and North Carolina (8-8, 1-4) went 6-of-26 from deep. The Tigers shot 43.3 percent from the floor while the Tar Heels went 42.4 percent from the field in the evenly matched affair. Each team pulled down 39 rebounds, and Clemson shot 69.2 from the free throw line as compared to North Carolina’s 70-percent shooting mark at the charity stripe. Turnovers proved to be critical down the stretch, and the Tigers notched 14 points off 11 Tar Heel turnovers.”according to https://clemsontigers.com/tigers-defeat-tar-heels-in-overtime-for-historic-win-in-chapel-hill/

Aamir Simms came up clutch for Clemson in the thriller, with the big man scoring a team-high 20 points to go along with his eight rebounds and six assists. Simms also showed out on defense, recording four blocks and three steals, and he sank three treys, as well. Tevin Mack, who scored 10 of his 17 points in the first half, also drained a trio of 3-balls. John Newman III connected on two 3-point shots en route to collecting a career-best 17 points, six boards and a career-best four dimes. Brandon Robinson led the Tar Heels with a career-high 27 points, and North Carolina’s Armando Bacot tallied 21 points.”according to https://clemsontigers.com/tigers-defeat-tar-heels-in-overtime-for-historic-win-in-chapel-hill/

Clemson manufactured an epic late-game comeback to force overtime and, after never sporting a lead in regulation, outscored North Carolina 9-6 in the extra period. The Tar Heels and the Tigers both went 4-for-12 from behind the arc in the first half. Clemson’s Al-Amir Dawes sank a desperation 3-pointer to beat the buzzer at the end of the first half. North Carolina led 39-29 at the intermission and continued to control the pace of the game for the majority of the second half.”according to https://clemsontigers.com/tigers-defeat-tar-heels-in-overtime-for-historic-win-in-chapel-hill/

However, during crunch time, Clemson applied defensive pressure and pulled off a remarkable comeback in the final two minutes of the second half. The Tigers went on a 12-2 run after falling down 68-58 at the 2:08 mark, as Clemson forced three turnovers in the last two minutes of regulation. Nine of those 12 points were scored by Simms, who made a game-tying 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Clemson proceeded to excel in the paint in overtime, with backdoor cuts and wide-open layups leading to the Tigers collecting the historic victory. Robinson missed a potential game-tying 3-ball as the final buzzer sounded in overtime, and Clemson secured its long-awaited triumph. “according to https://clemsontigers.com/tigers-defeat-tar-heels-in-overtime-for-historic-win-in-chapel-hill/

While Clemson snapped their losing streak to North Carolina in Chapel Hill Clemson sent North Carolina to their third consecutive loss.

Garrison Brooks and then Brandon Robinson both missed tying 3-pointers on the final possession. “according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

When Robinson's missed at the horn, Clemson players ran to midcourt to celebrate, while John Newman III ran to wrap coach Brad Brownell in a huge hug on the sideline.”according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

Meanwhile, Robinson laid on the court after his miss, capping a day that saw him go for a career-high 27 points but come up a shot short.”according to https://goheels.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-unc-clemson-recap.aspx

Roy Williams had this to say after the loss to Clemson.

We've had some great moments as a coach, and right now I'd say this is my lowest one because losing this game was my fault," Williams said. "Told them if I die tomorrow or 20 years from now, that'll be the biggest regret I had in 32 years as a coach. Cause these kids really need a win. And their coach let them down today." “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

Williams didn't stop there, either. “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

"Gotta tell Bubba he should probably fire me, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea," Williams said, folding up a stat sheet to put in his jacket pocket. "The coach is supposed to help his kids. I didn't help them very much. “according to https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/28465538/clemson-stuns-host-unc-going-0-59-chapel-hill

Next up for North Carolina who is struggling?

A rematch with Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania on Saturday January 18th.