Syracuse’s Late Surge Turns North Carolina Blowout into Ordinary Defeat

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 2, 2026 11:01 PM ET

Syracuse’s Late Surge Turns North Carolina Blowout into Ordinary Defeat

In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, Syracuse mounted a late surge but ultimately fell to North Carolina, who secured an 87-77 victory. The game, held at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, featured a dominant performance by the Tar Heels, who led 72-40 at one point. This substantial lead dwindled dramatically in the game’s final minutes due to Syracuse’s impressive fight back.

Syracuse’s Late Surge Highlights the Game

North Carolina started strong, showcasing a formidable offense led by freshman Caleb Wilson and towering center Henri Veesaar. Wilson finished with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Veesaar added 17 points and 11 rebounds. Together, they shot 52% from the field, which played a significant role in North Carolina’s success.

Syracuse’s Comeback Attempt

Despite trailing heavily, Syracuse refused to back down. They orchestrated a remarkable 35-to-10 run, cutting the deficit to just six points. Donnie Freeman led Syracuse’s scoring effort with 23 points, including a commendable 18 points in the first half. Other contributors included Naithan George, who scored 15 points, and JJ Starling with 13 points.

Syracuse’s final shooting percentage was 29-for-66.
The team’s assists dropped dramatically from 21 against Notre Dame to just seven in this game.
Prior to the late rally, Syracuse was shooting poorly with its players hitting just 10-for-36.

In an impressive show of shooting efficiency, Syracuse made 11 out of 12 shots during their late rally. However, the comeback was not enough to secure a win, as North Carolina held onto their lead. Syracuse’s record now stands at 13-10 overall and 4-6 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

North Carolina’s Season Continues Strong

With this victory, North Carolina improved to 18-4 and 6-3 in the conference, maintaining an undefeated record at home this season. The Tar Heels are now gearing up for an upcoming clash with their arch-rival, Duke.

This recent loss marks Syracuse’s fifth defeat in six games, as the team struggles to find consistency. They will look to bounce back when they face No. 18 Virginia on Saturday. Syracuse’s challenging history at the Smith Center continues, as they have lost all eight matches played there since joining the ACC.