Off the cuff: Every year it seems (every other now that the ACC has expanded), we hear that the streak can't continue. After all, Clemson has had some good teams, including the 2018 version that had lost only two games this season.
Invariably, Carolina wins. This was the 59th time in a row, dating back to 1925 when ironically the No. 1 song for the year was Sweet Georgia Brown, which became the Harlem Globetrotters' theme song. Clemson has to feel a bit like the Generals, who can never beat the Globetrotters.
There aren't many teams that hit 15 shots in a row, including several threes, but still lose. Luckily for Carolina fans, the Tar Heels shot well too.
One day perhaps the Tar Heels will shoot poorly at home against Clemson on the same day the Tigers hit 15 in a row. But not on this day.
Tar Heels 87, Clemson 79 Johnson, Heels stop hot-shooting Tigers
North Carolina eased out to a big first-half lead but had to hang on 87-79 against visiting Clemson after the Tigers hit 15 shots in a row in the second half. (1/16)
The Tar Heels' victory continued Clemson's futility in Chapel Hill as the Tigers lost their 59th game in a row without a win.
Cam Johnson has his best game as a Tar Heel, dropping in 21 points, mostly from the outside to combat Clemson's hot shooting.
"It was huge to have him come out and shoot it," UNC's Luke Maye said. "We know what he does every day in practice. He shoots it great and just have total confidence in him to make plays. It was big for us tonight."
Clemson coach Brad Brownell said it was just a matter of time before Johnson went off on somebody. "He lit up a whole lot of teams last year at Pittsburgh," Coach Brownell said. "He's finding his way in a new program and getting used to playing with different players. He's a huge dimension for them."
All five Carolina starters, led by Johnson's 21, scored in double figures. Joel Berry chipped in 17 while Kenny Williams added 15. Theo Pinson, who had a team-high seven rebounds and six assists, scored 12 points while Luke Maye, who spent some time out getting stitches in his face, managed to score 11.
Carolina improves to 15-4 overall and 4-2 in the ACC while Clemson falls to 15-3 and 4-2 in the conference.
