In a commanding performance, the 14th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels secured an 87-77 triumph over Syracuse in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. The victory marks their fourth consecutive win and maintains their impressive undefeated home record. Caleb Wilson delivered a standout performance, contributing 22 points and nine rebounds, setting the tone for North Carolina's dominant display. The team's strong start and sustained offensive pressure proved too much for Syracuse to overcome, despite a late surge from the Orange.
The game, held on a Monday in Chapel Hill, N.C., saw North Carolina establish an early lead and never look back. Caleb Wilson spearheaded the initial offensive push, scoring the Tar Heels' first three baskets during a nine-point run that propelled them to a 9-2 advantage. This early momentum was a clear indicator of North Carolina's intent and their control over the game's tempo.
As the first half progressed, Henri Veesaar emerged as another key player for the Tar Heels. He contributed six points during a crucial 13-2 scoring burst, which was capped off by Jonathan Powell's 3-pointer and an emphatic slam dunk. This period of intense offense further widened the gap, giving North Carolina a significant 25-12 lead and solidifying their dominance on the court.
Towards the end of the first half, North Carolina continued to extend its lead. Seth Trimble and Jonathan Powell both connected on 3-pointers, and Derek Dixon added a 3-point play, pushing the Tar Heels' biggest lead of the half to 46-29. Despite a last-second 3-pointer from Syracuse's Donnie Freeman, the Orange went into halftime trailing 46-32, facing an uphill battle.
The second half began with North Carolina reasserting its authority. Luka Bogavac quickly made a 3-pointer, a jumper, and a 3-point play, rapidly expanding the Tar Heels' lead to 66-40 with just under 14 minutes remaining. Jonathan Powell later delivered the team's largest lead of the game, 72-40, with another successful 3-pointer. Although Syracuse mounted a spirited comeback in the final minutes, narrowing the deficit to 83-77, free throws from Jarin Stevenson and Seth Trimble ultimately sealed the victory for North Carolina, who showcased their resilience and ability to close out a tough game.
This win underscores North Carolina's strong position in the Atlantic Coast Conference and highlights the consistent performance of key players like Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. Their ability to maintain a strong offensive and defensive presence throughout the game, even when challenged by a determined Syracuse team, demonstrates their competitive edge and solidifies their impressive home record.