UNC takes on Syracuse on Hot Streak

Created by Sharon Thorsland

It’s a quick turnaround for North Carolina, who is back at home Monday night for a matchup with Syracuse. The Tar Heels (17-4, 5-3 ACC) are coming off a win over Georgia Tech on Saturday, their third straight conference win. Syracuse snapped a four-game skid with a win over Notre Dame that improved them to 13-9 on the year and 4-5 in conference play, but calls for coach Red Autry to be fired continue. Tip-off is set for 7:00 on WBT.

Lack of consistency on both ends of the floor has been an issue for this Syracuse squad. They upset Tennessee and had narrow losses to Houston and Clemson early in the season, but have lost a head scratcher to Hofstra and got blown out by NC State. That’s led to a disgruntled fanbase and a lot of distraction surrounding the program. But this is a team that still has plenty of talent, starting with sophomore forward Donnie Freeman. He leads the team in scoring with 18.2 points a game. He teams with senior Nate Kingz and center William Kyle; they combine for nearly 20 points and 11 rebounds a contest. The backcourt is anchored by senior guard J.J. Starling, who seems like he’s been wearing the orange forever. Points guard Naithan George averages over 11 points a game, and keep an eye out for

Charlotte native and former Myers Park standout Sadiq White Jr., who has earned more playing time lately and started against the Fighting Irish. The problem is all this talent can’t seem to put it together game in and game out – the offense has been stagnant, relying on Freeman to carry the load. Ball movement has been nonexistent, with the Orange ranking 248th in assists per game. And when they get to the line, they’re not taking advantage, with an absymal free throw percentage of just 63% on the season.

The Orange have been better on the defensive end of the floor, holding teams to just 70 points per game. The Tar Heels are averaging 83 a contest though, and feature one of the best front courts in the country with Henri Veesaar and star freshman Caleb Wilson, who combine for 37 points and 19 rebounds per game.

Carolina is 14-5 all-time against Syracuse, and 7-1 at home. Not to mention, the Tar Heels are 12-0 at the Dean Dome this season and are playing some really good basketball right now. UNC should win this one easily to stay undefeated at home. Go Tar Heels!