The Tar Heels bounced back in style after a tough road loss to NC State, securing a crucial Quad 1 road victory over Syracuse on Saturday night. This win not only completed their season sweep of the Orange but also showcased their resilience and determination. Despite falling behind early and allowing Syracuse to tie the game a few times in the second half, North Carolina pulled away for a comfortable 13-point win.
Let's dive into who stood out on the court. While Henri Veesaar earned the player of the game honors, a couple of other players deserve a nod.
Zayden High, despite losing his starting spot, made a significant impact off the bench. He came tantalizingly close to a double-double, finishing with nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Before Tuesday, High had never achieved a double-double, so this performance was noteworthy. Unfortunately, he fouled out after a double technical with Syracuse's Donnie Freeman, who also exited the game.
It's a trade most coaches would gladly take.
Luka Bogavac and Seth Trimble also deserve recognition. Together, they contributed 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Bogavac was aggressive throughout, while Trimble scored all 13 of his points during a crucial second-half run that helped the Tar Heels secure the win. However, their free-throw shooting left room for improvement, as they combined to hit just 6 of 14 from the line, reflecting a broader team trend against Syracuse.
Henri Veesaar's return was the highlight of the night. After missing two games due to a lower body injury, he led the team with 19 points and added three blocks.
His defensive presence was instrumental in limiting Syracuse's star, Donnie Freeman, to just nine points on 3 of 8 shooting. While Veesaar showed some rust, his impact was undeniable.
Without him, the Tar Heels might have faced another frustrating road defeat.
This performance not only restored confidence but also highlighted the depth and potential of North Carolina's roster as they continue their season.