Viktor Lakhin scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half and No. 23 Clemson kept riding waves of momentum in drubbing visiting North Carolina 85-65 on Monday night.
Chase Hunter added 19 points and Jaeden Zackery poured in a strong performance as Clemson got off to a flying start and never looked back. The Tigers dominated from the opening tip, their high-intensity defense causing all sorts of problems for the North Carolina offense.
With Lakhin leading the charge, Clemson built a commanding lead and took a 49-27 advantage into the halftime break. The visitors struggled to contain the Tigers' potent offense, which seemed to score at will in the first 20 minutes.
The second half was more of the same, as Clemson continued to pull away from their opponents. Despite a late rally from North Carolina, the Tigers held firm and emerged with a convincing 85-65 victory.
The win is a significant one for Clemson, who are now firmly in the mix for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. With their high-powered offense and stifling defense, the Tigers are a team to watch in the coming weeks.
Lakhin was the star of the show, his 22 points coming on an efficient 9-12 shooting from the field. Hunter added 19 points and five rebounds, while Zackery chipped in with a solid all-around performance.
The loss is a setback for North Carolina, who had been hoping to bounce back from a recent slump. Despite a strong effort from their players, the Tar Heels were ultimately undone by Clemson's relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
The two teams will now go their separate ways, with Clemson looking to build on their momentum and North Carolina seeking to regroup and refocus. One thing is certain, however - the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with, and their victory over the Tar Heels will send shockwaves throughout the college basketball world.