Sure, let's dive into this matchup between North Carolina and Syracuse with a focus on what's happening on the court.
Nineteen days ago, North Carolina seemed to be cruising towards a blowout victory against Syracuse, holding a commanding 32-point lead with less than 10 minutes on the clock. Yet, in a dramatic twist, Syracuse clawed back, trimming the deficit to just six points before UNC held on for an 87-77 win.
As they prepare to face off again in the JMA Wireless Dome, the Tar Heels are looking to put the Orange away decisively this time. Catch the action at 1 p.m. on ABC.
UNC coach Hubert Davis has been analyzing that near-collapse closely. He's focused on what allowed his team to build such a lead and what caused it to slip away.
"I've looked at the entire game and the things that have allowed us to be successful and get a lead," Davis noted. He emphasized the need for better execution and ball control, whether Syracuse is in man-to-man or zone defense.
Syracuse, despite a tough 101-64 loss to Duke, has been strong at home recently, winning their last three games. Forward Donnie Freeman is a key player for the Orange, averaging 17.1 points and seven rebounds per game. He was a standout in their last meeting with UNC, scoring 23 points and grabbing eight boards.
For North Carolina, rebounding is a critical area of focus, especially after losing the battle on the boards in three of their last four games. Syracuse ranks near the bottom of the conference in rebounding margin, which could work in UNC's favor. However, the Tar Heels might be without their center, Henri Veesaar, who averages nine rebounds per game and remains questionable after missing two games.
Coach Davis is cautiously optimistic about Veesaar's return, sharing that he's been improving and participated in a limited practice. "He's getting better every day," Davis mentioned, though his status for the game remains uncertain.
Following a tough loss to NC State, where UNC shot just 32 percent overall and 15 percent from beyond the arc, Davis is focusing on defense and confidence. He's urging his team to defend without fouling and to limit opponents to one shot per possession. Despite the shooting woes, he's instilling belief in his players, encouraging them to shoot with confidence.
"We've got to play better and we've got to give more in every area of the game," Davis emphasized, driving home the need for a complete team effort.
As UNC aims to bounce back, they'll need to combine strong defense, effective rebounding, and confident shooting to secure a victory against Syracuse.