Tar Heels Eye Fourth Straight Win, But Syracuse Looms as Classic Trap Game
CHAPEL HILL - With all eyes in Chapel Hill already drifting toward Saturday’s clash with Duke, North Carolina has to keep its focus locked in on the task at hand - a Monday night matchup against Syracuse that has all the makings of a classic trap game.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Dean Smith Center, and while the Blue Devils may be circled in red on the calendar, the Orange have enough talent to spoil the party if UNC isn’t dialed in.
Both teams are coming off weekend wins - Syracuse handled Notre Dame 86-72, while the Tar Heels took care of business on the road with a 91-75 win over Georgia Tech. That win marked UNC’s third straight and continued a strong stretch of play, but with just one day to reset, recovery time is at a premium.
Caleb Wilson was front and center in the Atlanta victory, putting together a stat sheet-stuffing performance with 22 points, six boards, five assists, a steal, and a block. The freshman forward continues to look more comfortable by the game, and his blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ is becoming a serious problem for opposing defenses.
Henri Veesaar added his own dominant touch with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals - a two-way performance that showed off his growing confidence in the post. When he’s active on both ends like that, the Tar Heels become a much tougher team to match up with.
Now, the challenge is turning the page quickly. Severe winter weather in North Carolina threatened to delay the team’s return from Atlanta, but UNC made it back to Chapel Hill late Saturday night and was back on the practice floor less than 24 hours later - a rare move for a team that typically doesn’t practice the day after a game. But with a quick turnaround, head coach Hubert Davis and his staff had little choice.
The stakes are clear. Handle Syracuse, keep the momentum rolling, and head into Duke week with confidence. But recent history says that’s easier said than done.
UNC has dropped its mid-week game ahead of the Duke rivalry in each of the past three seasons. That’s not just a coincidence - it’s a reminder of how easy it is to overlook the game in front of you when something bigger is looming.
Syracuse comes in at 13-9 overall and 4-5 in ACC play, but don’t let the record fool you - this team has players who can fill it up. Nate Kingz and JJ Starling combined for 49 points in the win over Notre Dame, showing just how quickly the Orange can catch fire.
Forward Donnie Freeman has been the go-to guy when healthy, averaging 18.2 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting over 50 percent from the field. He’s only played in 13 games due to injury, but when he’s on the floor, he’s a force.
Defensively, UNC will need to lock down the perimeter. Syracuse ranks near the bottom of the ACC in three-point shooting at just under 34 percent, but that doesn’t mean they won’t take their chances. Limiting open looks and controlling second-chance opportunities will be key - and that starts on the glass.
Rebounding is always a pillar of UNC basketball, and Monday night will be no exception. Syracuse sits near the bottom of the league in rebounding margin, so the Tar Heels will look to impose their will inside.
Offensively, UNC’s engine continues to be powered by its big three - Wilson, Veesaar, and senior guard Seth Trimble. Wilson is putting up 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game on 58.9% shooting, while Veesaar is right behind him with 16.8 points and nine boards on an efficient 62.3% from the field. Trimble adds 14.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, providing steady veteran leadership in the backcourt.
The formula is there. The talent is there. But if the Tar Heels start thinking about Duke before the final buzzer sounds Monday night, Syracuse could make them pay.
For now, it’s about staying locked in. Handle business. Then, and only then, turn the page to the rivalry.