UNC's Garrison Brooks hit six straight free throws over the last 41 seconds of the game. (UNC Athletic Communications)

Even these Tar Heels have Pack’s number

North Carolina snapped a seven-game slide and swept the season series against rival N.C. State after defeating the Pack 85-79 at home.

The Tar Heels have now won 26 of the last 29 matchups against State. It took free throw shooting by Garrison Brooks to win this one.

The Heels, and especially Brooks, have had trouble at the line this season – notably in several close losses this season. But Brooks, who led all scorers with 30 points, went eight of eight from the foul line over the last 3:44.

Brooks hit six in the last 41 seconds as the State players were targeting him for the foul line. The Wolfpack couldn’t get any closer than three down the stretch.

“I’m as happy as I can be for our team,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “It’s good to see our guys celebrating in the locker room.”

It didn’t start out well for the Tar Heels, however, as the Wolfpack raced out to a 10-0 lead. Carolina didn’t lead until Brooks hit a turnaround jumper with under a minute left in the first half that put the Heels up 38-37.

A modest 8-2 run late in the half gave the Heels a 40-37 halftime lead.

“You hope you can make more runs and longer runs than your opponent,” Brooks said. “It was just a matter of time before we make plays down the stretch.”

State came out of the halftime locker room on fire, going on a 15-3 run, culminating with a D.J. Funderburk fastbreak bucket, which put the visitors up 52-45.

But the Heels went on a 15-2 run that put them up 60-54 midway through the second half. The Wolfpack never caught up as Carolina got the lead up to double digits for the first time at 66-56 after Cole Anthony whipped a pass to Brooks, who scored, was fouled and hit the free throw.

Over a two-minute period during the run, Christian Keeling scored seven of his season-high 16 points. Anthony finished with 19 points.

N.C. State, led by Markell Johnson’s 21 points, falls to 17-11 overall and 8-9 in the ACC.

Carolina, now 11-17 and 4-13 in the conference, travel to Syracuse Saturday.

For a boxscore and more on the game, please click here.

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