Even with a late scare that sent a chill through the Dean Dome, the North Carolina Tar Heels continued to show why they remain one of the ACC’s most dangerous teams on Monday night.
UNC watched a jaw-dropping 32-point second-half lead shrink all the way down to six, but the Tar Heels did just enough to steady themselves and close out an 87–77 victory over Syracuse. The win pushed North Carolina to 18–4 overall and 6–3 in ACC play, preserved its perfect home record this season, and extended its winning streak to four games heading into Saturday’s highly anticipated rivalry showdown with Duke.
For much of the night, the Tar Heels looked unstoppable. Behind the dominant frontcourt duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar—arguably the best inside pairing in the country—UNC created a massive separation from a Syracuse team that never truly found an answer until it was almost too late.
Veesaar delivered a strong 17-point, 11-rebound double-double, giving him the most double-doubles in the ACC this season. Wilson led all Tar Heels with 22 points, doing most of his damage at the free throw line, where he converted 10 of 13 attempts. Together, they controlled the paint, dictated tempo, and established the physical tone that defined the opening 30 minutes of the game.
Still, the final score didn’t quite reflect the level of dominance UNC displayed early. Here are the five biggest takeaways from Monday night’s win.
1. THE LATE-GAME COLLAPSE CAN’T BECOME A HABIT
A 32-point lead reduced to six. At home. Over nearly 10 minutes of game time.
That simply can’t happen—especially against a Syracuse team hovering around .500 in conference play. While no team plays perfect basketball for 40 minutes, UNC’s late-game execution was sloppy and uncharacteristically passive. Turnovers piled up, defensive rotations slowed, and offensive possessions lacked urgency.
Against Duke, Virginia, or in March, that kind of collapse will be punished far more severely. The Tar Heels escaped this time, but the coaching staff has plenty to clean up before Saturday.
2. AGGRESSIVENESS AT THE FREE THROW LINE MADE THE DIFFERENCE
If North Carolina doesn’t attack the rim and get to the free throw line 35 times, this game likely goes to overtime—or worse.
UNC converted 25 of its 35 free throw attempts (71%), a rare and encouraging performance for a team that has struggled at the stripe this season. Wilson’s 10 made free throws were particularly critical during moments when Syracuse threatened to swing momentum.
By comparison, the Orange went 13-for-19 (68%) from the line. That discrepancy may not jump off the page, but it was a decisive factor in keeping Syracuse at arm’s length during key stretches.
3. LUKA BOGAVAC DESERVES A STARTING ROLE
Luka Bogavac continues to make a compelling case for an expanded role. The sophomore scored 10 points in 23 minutes off the bench, marking his third consecutive game in double figures.
Meanwhile, Jaydon Young—who started in Bogavac’s place—managed just two points in nine minutes. North Carolina’s depth allows for lineup experimentation, but Bogavac’s scoring punch, confidence, and versatility feel essential, especially against a Duke team that thrives on defensive pressure.
If UNC wants to maximize its offensive ceiling, Bogavac should be in the starting five on Saturday.
4. BALL MOVEMENT FUELED UNC’S EARLY DOMINANCE
When North Carolina is sharing the basketball, it’s nearly impossible to guard.
The Tar Heels finished with 16 assists on the night, compared to just six for Syracuse. Four different UNC players scored in double figures, forcing the Orange into constant defensive guesswork.
That unselfishness built the massive lead and showcased what this offense can look like when everyone is engaged. While the movement slowed late, the blueprint is clear: when UNC moves the ball, it separates itself.
5. THIS UNC TEAM IS BUILT TO BEAT DUKE
Saturday’s rivalry matchup looms large, and Monday night reinforced an important truth: this North Carolina roster is constructed to beat Duke.
Yes, Cameron Boozer may be the most talented player in college basketball. But Duke lacks the depth UNC brings to the floor. Veesaar is a more complete center than Patrick Ngongba, and while Isaiah Evans continues to develop, North Carolina’s backcourt—led by Seth Trimble—offers experience, toughness, and balance.
If the Tar Heels can limit Boozer’s impact and avoid prolonged scoring droughts, Duke simply may not have enough to win in Chapel Hill.
