Syracuse is gearing up for a crucial matchup against No. 16 North Carolina this Saturday, hoping to rebound from a tough loss to the No.
3 Blue Devils. The game, set to tip off at 1 p.m. on ABC, presents a significant opportunity for the Orange to revive their NCAA Tournament hopes.
After a promising pair of victories over California and SMU, Syracuse's prospects took a hit with a 101-64 defeat. With four games left in the regular season, including three Quad 1 matchups, the Orange are hanging on by a thread. Their 1-7 record in Quad 1 games and setbacks against Hofstra and Boston College mean they need near-perfection moving forward.
The first step in this uphill battle is a win over the Tar Heels, who might be missing standout freshman Caleb Wilson due to a fractured left hand. Since their last encounter with Syracuse, UNC has shown resilience, upsetting Duke and defeating Pittsburgh, but they've also stumbled against Miami and NC State.
Series Snapshot
North Carolina holds a 19-7 lead in the all-time series.
Last Meeting Recap
The last clash on February 2 saw Syracuse fall 87-77 in Chapel Hill. Despite the seemingly close score, the game was largely out of reach by halftime, with the Orange trailing by as much as 32 points in the second half. Wilson and center Henri Veesaar were dominant, combining for 39 points and 20 rebounds, while Donnie Freeman topped all scorers with 23 points.
Odds and Analysis
KenPom gives Syracuse a 38% chance of victory, projecting a 78-75 scoreline. Despite Wilson's potential absence, UNC's roster is stacked. Veesaar ranks as the fourth-highest player in the ACC, and the Tar Heels boast a deep lineup with key contributors like Jarin Stevenson and Seth Trimble, who nailed a game-winning three against Duke.
UNC's strength lies in its inside game. Their 57% success rate on 2-pointers ranks 40th nationally, and they pull down 38.8 rebounds per game, placing them 4th in the ACC. Defensively, they excel at forcing opponents into difficult shots, allowing just 45.2% on 2-pointers.
Path to Victory for Syracuse
The Orange need a strong collective performance to topple UNC. William Kyle III was a standout against Duke, but Syracuse will need more from Freeman and J.J.
Starling, who have struggled recently. Naithan George and Nate Kingz have shown promise, but consistency is key.
Getting three of the five starters to perform well could give Syracuse a fighting chance, with any additional bench support tipping the scales further.
Key Stat: 5-23
Syracuse has struggled against top-tier competition, holding a 5-23 record against KenPom's top 80 teams over the past two seasons. However, all five wins have come this year, showing some progress. A victory over UNC, ranked No. 34, would mark a significant step forward.
Player to Watch: Henri Veesaar
Veesaar, a transfer from Arizona, has been a force for UNC, averaging 16.4 points and 9.0 rebounds. His shooting prowess, especially from beyond the arc at 44.8%, makes him a critical player for the Tar Heels. Though he's been sidelined recently, his potential return could be pivotal.
As Syracuse takes the court, they'll need to channel resilience and teamwork to secure a much-needed win and keep their postseason dreams alive.