Lakhin leads No. 23 Clemson to 85-65 win over North Carolina

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Clemson center Viktor Lakhin (0) blocks a shot by North Carolina forward Jae’Lyn Withers, top right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson center Viktor Lakhin celebrates after a 3-point basket against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson guard Chase Hunter (1) celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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North Carolina forward Jae’Lyn Withers, right, drives against Clemson forward Ian Schieffelin, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson guard Jaeden Zackery (11) goes up to shoot around North Carolina guard Drake Powell (9) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson center Viktor Lakhin (0) blocks a shot by North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau, center right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson guard Chase Hunter (1) dunks against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson guard Chase Hunter (1) shoots over North Carolina guard RJ Davis (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson head coach Brad Brownell looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, center, gestures during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Clemson Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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Clemson center Viktor Lakhin (0) passes the ball away from North Carolina forward Jalen Washington, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) drives past Clemson forward Myles Foster (6) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

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North Carolina guard Seth Trimble (7) blocks a shot by Clemson guard Jake Heidbreder (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Viktor Lakhin scored 22 points, including a season-best four 3-pointers, and No. 23 Clemson rolled past North Carolina 85-65 on Monday night.

Chase Hunter added 19 points with four 3s for the Tigers (20-5, 12-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), who followed up their 77-71 win over then-No. 2 Duke on Saturday night with a dominant showing against the Tar Heels (14-11, 7-6).

It’s the first time Clemson has beaten Duke and North Carolina in the same year since the 2019-20 season.

While the Duke game was tight throughout, Clemson took control of this one early. All but two of Lakhin’s points came in the first half, and the 6-foot-11 Cincinnati transfer also finished with five of Clemson’s eight blocks.

The Tigers were up 49-33 at the break, and North Carolina never made a second-half charge.

R.J. Davis led UNC with 18 points.

Takeaways

North Carolina: The Tar Heels were hoping to begin a late push for an NCAA bid. Instead, they struggled from long distance and at the foul line.

Clemson: The Tigers have lost just once in their past nine games — in double overtime to Georgia Tech at home last week — and appear a legitimate threat to win the program’s second ACC regular-season title.

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Key moment

Davis’ 3-pointer put North Carolina ahead 23-21 midway through the first half. That’s when Lakhin followed with a 3 to start a 28-10 burst to end the half.

Key stat

Clemson reached 20 wins for a third straight season and the seventh time in coach Brad Brownell’s 15 seasons.

Up next

North Carolina plays at Syracuse on Saturday night.

Clemson visits Florida State on Saturday.

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