UNC's Road Triumph: Key Takeaways from Their Victory Over Syracuse
The ACC's scheduling decisions have certainly raised eyebrows, but let's focus on the hardwood. UNC took on Syracuse in a much-anticipated rematch.
Just 19 days ago, the Tar Heels nearly let a 32-point lead slip away, and with key players like Caleb Wilson out due to injury, UNC fans were understandably anxious. Syracuse, boasting a strong 12-4 home record, was no pushover.
The mood lightened when Henri Veesaar was cleared to play right before tip-off. Despite some rough patches, UNC secured a valuable road win. So, what can we learn from this gritty performance without Caleb Wilson?
Seth Trimble's Impact
Seth Trimble's performance was a game-changer. At the 14-minute mark of the second half, Trimble had yet to make a mark on the scoreboard, with zero points and two early fouls.
UNC held a slim 40-38 lead. However, Trimble finished strong, contributing 13 points on 5-6 shooting, along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, helping the Tar Heels to a 13-point victory.
After struggling in previous games against Miami and NC State, Trimble seemed hesitant offensively and overly aggressive defensively. But in the second half, he found his rhythm, attacking the lane and dominating the boards. His energy shifted momentum, pushing UNC to a comfortable lead when the Orange seemed poised for a comeback.
With freshman Derek Dixon at point, Trimble’s performance is crucial for UNC's success. His athleticism, when harnessed, elevates the team, and his late-game heroics against Syracuse were pivotal.
Zayden High's Hustle
Zayden High continues to impress with his relentless energy. Against Syracuse, he came close to another double-double, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes. Playing with a taped right hand, High's hustle was evident as he saved multiple possessions and finished with a game-high +17 rating.
High's contributions come from sheer effort. He may not win every one-on-one battle, but his aggressive cuts earned him trips to the free-throw line, and he even nailed a corner three with confidence. High's recent performances suggest that once the front court is back to full strength, his energetic play will still be a valuable asset for UNC.
Free Throw Woes
UNC's free throw shooting remains a concern. At one point, they were just 5-14 from the line, though they improved to finish 15-28.
Those early misses kept the game tighter than necessary. Trimble struggled with his attempts, and others like Stevenson and Bogavac showed inconsistent form.
Despite the 13-point win, the Tar Heels will need to tighten up at the line to avoid closer calls in future matchups.
In conclusion, UNC's victory over Syracuse showcased resilience and key contributions from players stepping up in the absence of Caleb Wilson. Trimble's second-half surge and High's relentless energy were instrumental. However, addressing free throw inconsistencies will be crucial as the Tar Heels aim for post-season success.