Syracuse Orange Upsets No. 7 North Carolina, Keeps NCAA Tournament Hopes Alive
In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team pulled off an impressive upset against the No. 7 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. The game took place at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, and marked the first ranked win of the season for the Orange. This victory also marked a significant milestone for head coach Adrian Autry, as it was his first win against a ranked opponent in his coaching career.
The win was crucial for Syracuse’s chances of making it to the NCAA Tournament. With a record of 16-9 on the season and 7-7 in ACC play, the Orange needed this victory to keep their slim at-large tournament hopes alive. It was their second quadrant one victory of the season, further bolstering their resume.
The stars of the game for Syracuse were Judah Mintz and JJ Starling, who scored 25 and 23 points respectively. They led the way for the Orange and played a pivotal role in securing the upset win. Maliq Brown also had an impressive performance, contributing 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Chris Bell chipped in with 13 points, showcasing his outside shooting skills.
Syracuse started the game strong, taking an early lead of 10-7 behind the shooting of Bell and Brown. Their three-point shooting gave them an edge in the early minutes of the game. The Orange then switched from man-to-man defense to their signature 2-3 zone, which proved effective against North Carolina’s offense.
As the game progressed, Syracuse began to create separation from North Carolina. A layup by Quadir Copeland in transition extended Syracuse’s lead to double digits at 21-11. North Carolina tried to answer by relying on Armando Bacot’s inside presence, but Syracuse’s defense held strong. Starling made a crucial play by finishing a shot against RJ Davis, further solidifying Syracuse’s lead.
The game remained closely contested, with both teams trading buckets. Syracuse’s aggressive defense led to turnovers, but North Carolina capitalized on some opportunities as well. However, Syracuse managed to maintain their lead, thanks to the efforts of their key players.
In the second half, Syracuse continued to dominate. Bell and Starling hit back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Orange a 48-42 lead. Their defensive strategy of sticking to the 2-3 zone disrupted North Carolina’s offensive flow. Mintz showcased his skills by scoring six straight points for Syracuse, extending their lead to 73-67 with over three minutes left in the game.
Despite North Carolina’s best efforts to mount a comeback, Syracuse held on to their lead. Brown and Copeland made crucial free throws in the final moments of the game, securing a seven-point win for the Orange. The victory improved Syracuse’s home record to an impressive 12-2 for the season.
Looking ahead, Syracuse will face Georgia Tech on the road this Saturday. The game will take place at McCamish Pavilion and will be televised on the CW Network. Syracuse will be eager to carry the momentum from their upset win into this crucial matchup.
Overall, the Syracuse Orange’s upset victory against the No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels was a significant moment for the team and head coach Adrian Autry. It kept their NCAA Tournament hopes alive and showcased the talent and determination of their players. With more important games on the horizon, Syracuse will be looking to build on this win and continue their pursuit of a tournament berth.