The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is set to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. The match will be aired on ESPN and can also be streamed through services like fuboTV, which offers a free trial, as well as DIRECTV.
Historically, Syracuse has struggled against North Carolina, with a record of just 3-14 against the Tar Heels since 2015, and 1-4 in their last five encounters. This impending showdown will take place at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
After recently snapping a four-game losing streak with an impressive 86-72 win over Notre Dame, the Orange are looking to build momentum. Nate Kingz shone brightly in that game, achieving a career-high 28 points and successfully sinking 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. Adding to the team’s success, J.J. Starling also contributed significantly with 21 points, showcasing his ability to score consistently as he recorded his second 20-point game in this season’s 20 games.
Point guard Naithan George, while not a high scorer, excelled by recording 10 assists without committing a turnover. Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry highlighted the improved pace and decision-making of his squad, noting, “I thought we got the ball out of our hand. I thought we made quicker decisions… This is what we envisioned.”
In a strategic move, Autry benched the team’s leading scorer, Donnie Freeman, during the Notre Dame game. Freeman still managed to contribute with seven points and six rebounds in limited playing time, reflecting the team’s flexibility and depth amidst adjustments.
Facing the No. 14 ranked Tar Heels, who come in with a 17-4 record and boast a 5-3 standing in the ACC, the Orange will face one of their toughest challenges yet. The team’s recent victory, coupled with strategic changes, could provide the spark they need to compete effectively against North Carolina.
As always, in-state betting for college games is not permitted in New York, yet fans can explore enticing introductory offers from various sportsbooks like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings to enhance their game-day experience.