North Carolina Aims for Road Victory Against Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – With only two weeks left in the regular season, No. 9 North Carolina seeks to maintain its perfect road record in ACC play when it visits Syracuse on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. The Tar Heels, currently boasting a record of 23-4 and 11-3 in the conference, aim to enhance their momentum after winning five consecutive games, including a nail-biter against NC State.

The Tar Heels hope to extend their streak to eight wins in true road matchups and solidify their position within the AP Poll, where they have achieved their highest ranking since 2009. Coach Courtney Banghart’s unit is coming off an exhilarating 66-65 victory over No. 10 NC State, marking their first top-10 win of the season.

“Winning on the road is always challenging, but our team has shown resilience,” Banghart said. “We look forward to the challenge at Syracuse.”

North Carolina has recently made headlines, effectively showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court. After trailing by six points against NC State with just under two minutes remaining, they executed a series of successful plays to secure the win.

Leading the charge is sophomore guard Kelly, who was named ACC Player of the Week after scoring 20 points in one game and 23 in another. Her development has been key to the Tar Heels’ success this season, significantly contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.

Syracuse, on the other hand, stands at 10-15 overall and 4-10 in the ACC. Despite their record, the Orange excel in rebounding, averaging 14.9 offensive rebounds per game, which places them second in the league. Furthermore, they block 4.3 shots per game, underscoring their defensive capabilities.

The historical context of the matchup adds to its intrigue. Syracuse leads the all-time series against North Carolina 8-7, with UNC last securing a win in Syracuse in 2000. This history underscores the challenge the Tar Heels face.

“We’re ready to compete and turn that around,” said Kelly. “It’s been a while since we’ve won at Syracuse, and we’re motivated.”

As the Tar Heels prepare for this significant contest, they also have the larger goal of securing their position for the NCAA Tournament. Winning against tough opponents like Syracuse will be pivotal as they jockey for a favorable seed.

With the game set to be broadcast on ACC Network, fans will be eager to see if North Carolina can continue its upward trajectory against a Syracuse team that might prove a formidable opponent, particularly at home.

The upcoming matchup is not just about survival in the current season; it’s a test of how far North Carolina has come and a glimpse of what lies ahead in their quest for postseason glory.