CHARLOTTE — It wasn’t quite how Nick Davidson envisioned it happening but his perfect execution of a play late in the game helped fifth-seeded Clemson hang on for a 80-79 win over fourth-seeded North Carolina in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday.
With the Tigers clinging to a one-point lead, after leading by as many as 18 in the second half, Davidson was fouled and headed to the free-throw line with 2.5 seconds left. Two makes would have put Clemson back up by three, meaning the Tar Heels would need a very quick three just to tie and send the game into overtime.