UNC basketball is back in the spotlight with a solid 77-64 victory over Syracuse, marking an important win on the road for the 16th-ranked Tar Heels (21-6, 9-5 ACC). This victory not only completed a season sweep of the Orange (15-13, 6-9) at the JMA Wireless Dome but also bolstered UNC's standing in the ACC, where they've faced challenges away from home.
The win is particularly significant given Syracuse's position at No. 72 in the NET rankings. If the Orange stay within the top 75, this road victory will count as a Quadrant 1 win for the Tar Heels-a valuable asset as they eye the NCAA tournament. Currently projected as a No. 6 seed, UNC's performance could see them climbing even higher in the bracket predictions.
Let’s dive into three key takeaways from UNC’s triumph over Syracuse.
Henri Veesaar's Impactful Return
Henri Veesaar made a triumphant return to the starting lineup after a two-game absence due to a lower-body issue. The UNC center was instrumental, contributing 19 points, three rebounds, and three blocks over 26 minutes.
Veesaar's presence was felt early, scoring nine points in the first half and energizing a critical run where UNC hit seven consecutive shots. Despite taking a brief break, Veesaar showed no signs of rust, adding 10 points in the second half and finishing with an impressive 9-of-13 shooting.
His dynamic play, highlighted by a two-handed dunk, was pivotal in UNC's control of the game.
Guards Step Up: Trimble and Bogavac Shine
Seth Trimble and Luka Bogavac, fresh off a tough outing against N.C. State, stepped up to deliver a strong performance.
Trimble, a senior leader, ignited an 8-0 run in the second half, overcoming a scoreless first half to finish with 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Playing every minute of the second half, Trimble's clutch shooting-making his last five shots-was crucial.
Meanwhile, Bogavac displayed excellent court awareness, contributing 13 points, six rebounds, and two assists. His performance, including matching his season-best in rebounds and shooting 50% from the field, was instrumental in balancing UNC's offensive attack. When the Tar Heel guards are firing on all cylinders, the team is a formidable force.
Zayden High's Energizing Performance
Zayden High has been a revelation for UNC, especially in Veesaar's absence. Averaging 14 points and 8.5 rebounds in the previous two games, High continued his strong play with nine points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
His hustle was evident when he dove for a steal and called a timeout, securing an extra possession for UNC. High capped his energetic performance with a timely corner three-pointer, extending UNC's lead to double digits.
His relentless energy and defensive efforts are invaluable for a Tar Heels frontcourt navigating injuries.
With this win, UNC not only strengthens its position in the ACC but also gains momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. The Tar Heels are proving they have the depth and resilience to be a serious contender come March.