Luka Bogavac Lifts No. 17 North Carolina to Undefeated Home Record with 67-63 Win Over Clemson

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — No. 17 North Carolina secured a program-record 18-0 record at home, defeating Clemson 67-63 on Tuesday night in the Smith Center. Luka Bogavac led the Tar Heels with a career-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers, propelling UNC to a crucial Atlantic Coast Conference victory.

Bogavac’s Second-Half Surge

Bogavac, who had just three points in the first half, exploded for 17 points in the second half, hitting five 3-pointers after the break. His performance marked the first time a Tar Heel hit six 3-pointers in a game since RJ Davis achieved the feat in the 2025 NCAA Tournament against San Diego State. Davis was present at the game, with his No. 4 jersey being honored in the Smith Center rafters.

Senior Night Success

The game served as Senior Night for UNC players Seth Trimble and Elijah Davis, as well as graduating team managers James Rolf Blizzard, Zach Dunn, and Avery Wilkerson. Trimble contributed nine points and four rebounds, drawing five fouls, while Elijah Davis was part of the starting lineup.

Key Performances for the Tar Heels

Henri Veesaar added 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists before fouling out in the final minute. Jarin Stevenson recorded nine points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

Clemson’s Godfrey Leads All Scorers

Despite the loss, RJ Godfrey of Clemson delivered a strong performance, leading all scorers with a career-high 22 points on 10-of-13 shooting, along with nine rebounds. Carter Welling added 13 points for the Tigers.

Game Recap

North Carolina’s record now stands at 24-6 overall and 12-5 in ACC play, moving them into sole possession of fourth place in the conference standings and improving their chances for a double bye in the upcoming ACC Tournament in Charlotte. Clemson fell to 21-9 overall and 11-6 in the ACC, losing their fifth game in the last six contests.

Clemson started strong, closing the first half on a 7-0 run to lead 30-27. UNC struggled with its shooting in the first half, connecting on just 35.7% of its shots. The Tar Heels responded with a 12-0 run early in the second half to grab a 44-37 lead, but Clemson quickly tied the game.

The game remained tight in the final minutes. A crucial 3-pointer from Derek Dixon with 46 seconds remaining gave UNC a 64-59 lead. After Clemson narrowed the gap to one point with 18 seconds left, Bogavac sealed the victory with a pair of free throws, followed by a free throw from Trimble with 0.9 seconds remaining.

Tar Heels Overcome Shooting Struggles

Despite shooting just 37.9% from the field, UNC managed to secure the win by hitting 12 of 27 three-pointers (44.4%). Clemson dominated the paint, outscoring UNC 34-18.

Looking Ahead

Carolina will conclude its regular season with a game at Duke on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. On ESPN.