February 17, 1994: Clemson Stuns No. 2 North Carolina in a Historic Upset
On February 17, 1994, the Clemson Tigers pulled off one of the most memorable upsets in program history, shocking the No. 2 North Carolina Tar Heels with a 77-69 victory at Littlejohn Coliseum. It was Clemson’s biggest win in five years, dating back to their 1989 triumph over another No. 2-ranked Tar Heels squad. The game marked head coach Cliff Ellis’ fourth and final victory against UNC, setting a school coaching record that remained unbroken until 2017 when Brad Brownell earned his fifth win over North Carolina.
This game was a defining moment for Clemson basketball, not only because it came against one of the nation’s premier programs but also because it showcased the grit and determination of a Tigers team that refused to be intimidated by the mighty Tar Heels. The victory sent shockwaves through the college basketball world and remains a cherished moment in Clemson’s storied rivalry with UNC.
Setting the Stage: Clemson vs. No. 2 North Carolina
Heading into the game, the North Carolina Tar Heels, led by legendary head coach Dean Smith, were one of the most dominant teams in the country. The Tar Heels were 21-3 overall and boasted a lineup stacked with future NBA talent, including All-American forward Jerry Stackhouse and sophomore sensation Rasheed Wallace. UNC had legitimate national championship aspirations and was expected to handle Clemson with relative ease.
On the other hand, Clemson was not considered a major contender in the ACC that season. Under Cliff Ellis, the Tigers had built a reputation for being a scrappy, competitive team, but they had struggled against the upper echelon of the conference. Coming into the matchup, Clemson had a 14-8 record and was desperate for a marquee win to boost its NCAA Tournament hopes.
The odds were stacked against Clemson, but the Tigers had no intention of backing down. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd at Littlejohn Coliseum, they came out with intensity and executed their game plan to perfection.
The Game: Clemson’s Statement Victory
From the opening tip, it was clear that Clemson was not intimidated by North Carolina’s ranking or reputation. The Tigers played with a level of confidence and composure that took the Tar Heels by surprise.
Clemson’s game plan was built around three key factors:
- Slowing Down UNC’s Fast Break – North Carolina thrived on pushing the tempo and scoring in transition, but Clemson’s disciplined defense forced the Tar Heels into a half-court game, limiting their easy scoring opportunities.
- Winning the Rebounding Battle – Facing the dominant frontcourt of Wallace and Stackhouse, Clemson’s big men held their own on the boards, preventing UNC from getting second-chance points.
- Clutch Shooting and Poise Under Pressure – The Tigers knocked down timely shots, particularly from beyond the arc, and executed their offensive sets with precision.
Clemson led for much of the game, but the Tar Heels made multiple attempts to stage a comeback. Every time UNC went on a run, the Tigers responded with key baskets to maintain their lead. The crowd at Littlejohn grew louder with each defensive stop and each made basket, fueling Clemson’s belief that they could pull off the upset.
In the final minutes, Clemson’s defense clamped down on UNC’s star players, forcing contested shots and crucial turnovers. When the final buzzer sounded, the Tigers had secured a 77-69 victory, sending their fans into a frenzy.
Postgame Reactions and Historical Significance
For Cliff Ellis, this win was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance against one of the most dominant programs in college basketball history. His four career wins over North Carolina set a Clemson coaching record at the time and cemented his legacy in the school’s basketball history.
Ellis’ record of four wins over UNC stood for over two decades until Brad Brownell surpassed it in 2017, earning his fifth victory over the Tar Heels. However, Ellis’ 1994 triumph remains one of the most significant wins in Clemson’s history, given the stature of the opponent and the impact it had on the program.
For North Carolina, the loss was a major setback, but the Tar Heels ultimately rebounded and made a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Still, the defeat at Clemson served as a reminder that no team in the ACC was untouchable, not even the mighty Tar Heels.
Legacy of the 1994 Clemson-UNC Upset
The 1994 victory over North Carolina remains a defining moment for Clemson basketball. It was a testament to the unpredictability of college basketball and a reminder that on any given night, an underdog can rise to the occasion and shock the world.
For Clemson fans, this game serves as a cherished memory of a time when the Tigers took down one of the sport’s true powerhouses. It was a night when Littlejohn Coliseum was electric, and the Tigers played with the heart and determination that defines great underdog stories.
Even decades later, the significance of this upset continues to resonate within the Clemson community. It was a game that proved Clemson basketball could compete with the best, and it set the stage for future triumphs against the Tar Heels and other ACC powerhouses.
As history shows, upsets like this are what make college basketball so special. February 17, 1994, was a night when Clemson basketball stood tall, defied expectations, and etched its name into the annals of ACC history.