Xylina McDaniel sparks late 19-2 run as No. 16 Tar Heels rally

Updated: Dec 30, 2013, 05:47 pm

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Xylina McDaniel scored 19 points and had six steals as No. 16 North Carolina used a key 19-2 second-half run to come back and beat Clemson 65-58 Sunday in each team's Atlantic Coast Conference opener.

The Tar Heels (13-1) trailed 43-35 after Chancie Dunn's layup for Clemson. McDaniel responded with a layup with 12:20 left, sparking the 19-2 run that put UNC up 54-45 with 6:23 to play. McDaniel scored eight points during the run, which came amid 15 consecutive missed shots by the Tigers. Clemson (4-8) made just 4 of 21 field goals over the game's final 14 minutes.

North Carolina forced 35 Clemson turnovers and converted for 36 points.

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt added 15 points, six steals, six rebounds and five assists for the Tar Heels.

Nikki Dixon led Clemson with 22 points while Quinyotta Pettaway had 10 points and a career-best 18 rebounds.