Luka Bogavac Ignites Tar Heels to Record-Breaking Home Victory
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – No. 17 North Carolina secured a hard-fought 67-63 victory over Clemson on Tuesday night, fueled by a sensational performance from Luka Bogavac. The sophomore guard exploded for a season-high 20 points, including six three-pointers, propelling the Tar Heels to an 18-0 record at home – a novel program best.
Bogavac’s Breakout Performance
Bogavac’s six three-pointers matched RJ Davis’s performance in the 2025 NCAA Tournament against San Diego State, marking the most treys by a Tar Heel in a single game since that contest. He scored 17 of his 20 points in the second half, providing a crucial spark when the Tar Heels needed it most. Clemson head coach Brad Brownell acknowledged Bogavac’s impact, stating, “He made a bunch of shots…that’s why North Carolina is good.”
Senior Night Success & ACC Tournament Implications
The game held added significance as it was the final home appearance for UNC seniors Seth Trimble and Elijah Davis, along with graduating team managers James Rolf Blizzard, Zach Dunn, and Avery Wilkerson. The win allowed North Carolina to break a fourth-place tie in the ACC standings with Clemson, improving their chances of securing a double bye in the upcoming ACC Tournament in Charlotte.
Team Effort Beyond the Arc
While Bogavac stole the demonstrate from beyond the arc, the Tar Heels received contributions across the board. Henri Veesaar added 13 points and six rebounds before fouling out, while Jarin Stevenson grabbed a career-best 10 rebounds and scored nine points. Seth Trimble contributed nine points and drew five fouls. Despite shooting just 37.9% from the field as a team, UNC’s 44.4% three-point shooting proved decisive.
A Historic Home Stand
This victory extends North Carolina’s home winning streak to 18 games, surpassing the previous record of 17-1 set in the 2011-12 season. Under head coach Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels are now 71-9 in the Smith Center, demonstrating their dominance on their home court. Carolina has a 61-2 record against Clemson in Chapel Hill, including a 30-2 mark in the Smith Center.
Second-Half Surge and Close Finish
After trailing 30-27 at halftime, North Carolina rallied with a 12-0 run in the second half to take the lead. The game remained tight throughout the final minutes, with Clemson threatening to steal the victory. A clutch three-pointer from Derek Dixon and a pair of free throws from Bogavac in the closing seconds sealed the win for the Tar Heels. Trimble added a free throw with 0.9 seconds remaining to finalize the score.
Did You Know?
RJ Godfrey led all scorers with a career-high 22 points for Clemson, showcasing his impressive shooting performance with 10 of 13 shots made.
Pro Tip
Effective rebounding, like Jarin Stevenson’s career-high 10 boards, can be a game-changer, especially when shooting percentages are lower than usual.
Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels will conclude their regular season with a challenging road game against Duke on Saturday evening.
FAQ
- How many three-pointers did Luka Bogavac build? Bogavac made a season-high six three-pointers.
- What is North Carolina’s record at home this season? North Carolina is 18-0 at home this season.
- Who led Clemson in scoring? RJ Godfrey led Clemson with a career-high 22 points.
- What is the significance of this win for UNC? This win broke the program record for most wins in the Smith Center in a season and improved UNC’s chances in the ACC Tournament.
What are your thoughts on the Tar Heels’ chances in the ACC Tournament? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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