In an electrifying display of skill and determination, the Syracuse Orange delivered a stunning upset over the seventh-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels with an 86-79 victory. This remarkable win marks Syracuse's eighth upset of the season, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in college basketball.
Just a month prior to this significant victory, Syracuse had suffered a substantial defeat at the hands of UNC. However, in a remarkable turnaround, Syracuse demonstrated exceptional proficiency in their latest encounter, shooting 62.5% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the three-point line. This superior shooting performance was instrumental in their win.
The game was a true team effort for Syracuse, with four of their starters reaching double figures in scoring. Leading the charge, Judah Mintz scored an impressive 25 points, and contributed five rebounds, four assists, and three steals to the effort. Close behind, JJ Starling added 23 points, three rebounds, and showcased his shooting prowess by going 9-of-15 from the floor and 3-of-6 from three-point range. On the other side, RJ Davis spearheaded the effort for North Carolina with 19 points, while Cormac Ryan chipped in with 18 points and three assists.
Syracuse, showing resilience and skill, now stands with two wins and three losses in their last five games. Not to be overlooked, Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram of North Carolina each contributed 14 points with double-doubles, demonstrating the depth and talent within the Tar Heels' roster. Despite this, North Carolina's overall shooting was 47.5%, and they shot 44.4% from three-point range, a metric overshadowed by Syracuse's superior shooting percentages on the day.
Additionally, Syracuse displayed a superior performance in rebounds, outrebounding North Carolina 30-23, and capitalized on 11 costly turnovers by North Carolina. This tenacity and ability to seize opportunities when they present themselves were key factors in Syracuse's victory.
A Balance of Offense and Defense
One of the standout aspects of Syracuse's play was their ability to enforce a balanced game, integrating robust defense with their already proven offensive capabilities. By forcing turnovers and keeping North Carolina to just 44 points in the second half, Syracuse's defense played a pivotal role in clinching the win. The jubilation was palpable as fans stormed the court at the JMA Dome to celebrate this significant victory with the players.
This win is not just another notch on the belt for Syracuse; it represents coach Adrian Autry's first signature win for the team. Achieving a season-high shooting percentage of 62.5%, Syracuse has sent a clear message about their capabilities and their aspirations for the season. Their last triumph against a top-10 team was securing a win over the then-No. 1 Duke in 2019, and this win against North Carolina potentially positions them for a spot in the top 25, while possibly affecting North Carolina's NCAA tournament seeding.
Looking ahead, Syracuse is set to face Clemson in their next game, and with this momentum, they showcase a promising potential for a deep run in the upcoming March Madness. Conversely, this loss marks North Carolina's third in their last five games, indicating possible vulnerabilities that the team needs to address.
The ACC remains a hotly contested conference, and Tuesday's game underscored the unpredictability inherent in college basketball. "We didn't play well enough to win, we've just got to get better. They shot 63% from the field. Very few teams in the country you can beat especially on the road when they shoot that well," commented Hubert Davis, North Carolina's head coach, highlighting the exceptional shooting performance by Syracuse as a key to their victory. In contrast, Syracuse's coach Adrian Autry praised his team's performance, stating, "This game was the best game I've seen that we've played all year," encapsulating the excellence and teamwork displayed by Syracuse.
As the dust settles on this landmark victory, the implications for both teams are profound, with Syracuse asserting themselves as challengers to be reckoned with and North Carolina facing the necessity to regroup and refocus as the season continues. In college basketball, fortunes can turn on a dime, and Syracuse's upset over North Carolina serves as a vivid reminder of the dynamism and excitement that the sport perpetually delivers.