CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Marcus Paige scored 18 points to help No. 7 North Carolina beat Clemson 80-69 on Wednesday night in its Atlantic Coast Conference opener, extending the Tigers' long run of futility in Chapel Hill.
Joel Berry II added 16 points for the Tar Heels (12-2, 1-0 ACC), who led 37-30 at halftime and by 16 in the second half before turning away the Tigers' last best push.
North Carolina improved to 58-0 all-time against Clemson at home, an NCAA record for most consecutive home wins against one opponent. And this marked the 26th time in 28 meetings that the Tar Heels extended that streak with a double-digit margin of victory.