No. 14 Tar Heels Secure Victory Over Syracuse 87-77 After Dominant Start
No. 14 North Carolina secured a strong victory over Syracuse, winning 87-77 in a thrilling game on Monday night. The Tar Heels began dominantly and established a 32-point lead midway through the second half. Although Syracuse made a late push to close the gap, North Carolina maintained control and sealed their win at the free-throw line.
Key Performers of the Game
- Caleb Wilson: Lead scorer with 22 points and nine rebounds.
- Henri Veesaar: Achieved a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, marking his 12th of the season.
- Jonathan Powell: Contributed 12 points.
- Luka Bogavac: Added 10 points for the Tar Heels.
- Donnie Freeman: Top scorer for Syracuse with 23 points and eight rebounds.
Game Highlights
The game saw an impressive first half from North Carolina. They built a 23-12 lead early, thanks in part to back-to-back three-pointers from Veesaar and Powell. Despite Syracuse hitting seven consecutive shots to cut the lead to five, the Tar Heels responded with a 12-0 run. By halftime, North Carolina had established a 46-32 lead.
Syracuse struggled with ball control, committing nine turnovers in the opening half while shooting 44%. In contrast, North Carolina played efficiently, showcasing their offensive strength throughout the match.
Upcoming Matches
North Carolina, now holding a record of 18-4 and 6-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, will take on No. 4 Duke in Chapel Hill this Saturday. The Tar Heels are looking to extend their current four-game winning streak.
This victory against Syracuse marks another solid performance for the Tar Heels as they aim for further success in the season.