Clemson basketball stunning upset No. 3 UNC Yahoo Sports

Clemson basketball pulls off stunning upset against No. 3 North Carolina, winning 80-76. Here are the key takeaways from the game.

In a stunning upset, the Clemson basketball team achieved a historic victory by defeating the No. 3-ranked North Carolina team with a final score of 80-76 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This marked only the second time in the program's history that Clemson emerged victorious at the Dean Smith Center, with the first win occurring in 2020 after an overtime battle. Prior to this victory, North Carolina had maintained an undefeated record of 60-0 at home against Clemson.

Coach Brad Brownell's strategic decision to start graduate student Jack Clark over sophomore Chauncey Wiggins proved to be a game-changer for the Tigers. The team began the game with an impressive 17-4 run, establishing a commanding lead over their formidable opponents. At one point, Clemson held a 16-point advantage, matching its largest lead ever against North Carolina, a feat previously achieved during the 1974-75 season.

Despite North Carolina's efforts to stage a comeback, Clemson remained resilient and responded to every rally with crucial baskets. Notably, Joseph Girard III's 3-pointer proved to be a pivotal moment, securing a five-point lead for Clemson with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Ultimately, the Tigers held their ground and emerged victorious.

Several key takeaways emerged from this intense ACC matchup. The Tigers displayed unwavering determination, countering every North Carolina rally with precision and poise. A standout performance from PJ Hall, who contributed 25 points in 27 minutes, and Joseph Girard, who finished with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, propelled Clemson to success. Additionally, Ian Schieffelin's 14 points and 11 rebounds further solidified the team's dominance.

Clemson's prowess in 3-point shooting was a defining factor in this game, as the team buried a total of 11 3-pointers against North Carolina, a remarkable achievement considering North Carolina's reputation for strong 3-point field-goal defense. The Tigers' ability to connect on 6-of-14 3-pointers in the first half, with contributions from Hall, Girard, and Chase Hunter, showcased their offensive prowess.

Following this significant victory, the Tigers will now set their sights on an upcoming matchup against Syracuse at the JMA Wireless Dome. Despite Syracuse's formidable home record, Clemson is poised to build upon their recent success and continue their winning momentum. As the team celebrates this historic win, they are prepared to face new challenges and further solidify their position in the ACC.

Derrian Carter, a dedicated reporter covering Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network, provided valuable insights into this thrilling victory. His coverage of the team's triumph offers a comprehensive and detailed account of this historic moment in Clemson basketball history. For more updates and in-depth analysis, readers can follow Derrian Carter on social media platforms such as X, formerly known as Twitter, at @DerrianCarter00.