Dexter Strickland has been a different player since North Carolina has gone to a four-guard starting lineup. ROBERT WILLETT

CHAPEL HILL — And after a long day of driving, working on a few stories and finding time to stop in Lexington at a certain famous BBQ spot, I’m back. Been a busy 24 hours – a stretch that began last night with North Carolina’s 68-59 victory against Clemson.

Here's the story of the game, persevered for posterity. And, as always, here’s the look back:

CLEMSON, S.C. — After suffering a season-ending knee injury a season ago, Dexter Strickland labored through North Carolina’s preseason conditioning drills, and he struggled through much of the first half of the season.

But his late-season transformation – and that of the Tar Heels – continued on Thursday night during UNC’s 68-59 victory against Clemson at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Can North Carolina maintain its sense of urgency on the road against an inferior opponent? ROBERT WILLETT

CHAPEL HILL — For the second time in about a week, I’m preparing for a long drive south on I-85. This time, at least, I’ll be stopping in Clemson, S.C., where North Carolina and Clemson play tonight.

The preview …