Clemson Visits North Carolina in Key ACC Clash CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — A pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup is set for Tuesday night as the Clemson Tigers visit the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center. The Tigers (21-8, 11-7 ACC) look to build momentum from an 80-75 home win over Louisville on Saturday, which snapped a four-game skid. Clemson’s recent road form has been a concern, with three losses in its last four away games, including defeats at Duke, Wake Forest and Florida State. Guard Jestin Porter, coming off a 16-point performance against Louisville, will be a key for Clemson. He averages 7.8 points per game but has been inconsistent, scoring in single digits in four of his last seven outings. The Tar Heels (23-6, 15-3), firmly in contention for the ACC regular-season title, have won five of their last six. They are coming off an 89-82 victory over Virginia Tech, powered by a career-high 26 points from forward Henri Veesaar. The sophomore has been a dominant force, averaging 17.3 points on 54% shooting over his last six games. North Carolina holds a formidable home-court advantage, having lost only once at the Smith Center this season. The Tar Heels’ offense, averaging 79.2 points per game, will test a Clemson defense that has allowed an average of 73.6 points during its recent 3-5 stretch. Clemson will need production beyond Porter, with RJ Godfrey (13 points vs. Louisville) and Ace Buckner providing support. North Carolina counters with a balanced attack; alongside Veesaar, guards Seth Trimble (20 points vs. Virginia Tech) and Jonathan Powell have been reliable scorers. The Tigers won the season’s first meeting, 63-59, in Clemson on Jan. 10. Securing a regular-season sweep of the Tar Heels would significantly bolster their NCAA tournament resume. Both teams conclude their regular seasons on Saturday, with Clemson hosting Georgia Tech and North Carolina traveling to face rival Duke.