NR/NR SYRACUSE ORANGE 16 - 3 (6-2) ACC, (3rd Place)
NCAA NET 40 (UNC 20); Massey rating 39 (UNC 23); RPI 34 (Nolan) (UNC 43); Torvik 42 (UNC 20)
Last season 12-18 (6-12, #13 seed); 0-1 ACCT, (Lost to BC 73-76, No postseason)
Sunday’s game for the 16-5 and #28/#21 Tar Heels is against Syracuse at Carmichael. UNC has played them 17 times, and is 8-9. Three UNC wins were before the Orange joined the ACC; since then the Heels are just 5-9. Last year’s game at the JMA Blimp Dome saw Carolina, behind Maria Gakdeng’s 21/14 double-double, Indya Nivar’s 11 and Trey Crisp’s 12 points grab a 68-58 win. There was a good bit of disappointment for the Orange fans last season as at 12-18 they were not selected for any post-season play.
For the game tomorrow, weather permitting, North Carolina is an 12-point favorite according to Massey; Nolan shows UNC winning by 9 and Torvik by 10.
Syracuse has played a decent schedule, to be fair. Rated #66 by the NCAA (UNC 83), the Orange did play one early season tournament. This was the Hall of Fame Classic in Uncasville, CT. There they split a pair of games, beating Utah 61-49 and losing to #6/9 Michigan 55-81. Prior to this, four games were played in the Blimp Dome, all wins. The wins were Stony Brook 74-50, UAlbany 64-45, Canisius 96-72 and Wagner, 78-29. The “Wireless” Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome) is considered a huge advantage for the home team because of the weird sight lines. It has always reminded me of the enormous hangars built to house the U.S. Navy’s fleet of pre-WW2 dirigibles – hence, “Blimp” Dome. Not a problem this year as it will be Carolina’s home game.
Syracuse disposed of Howard 78-62, again in the Dome, and the ACC/SEC Challenge was also a home game and was a 66-60 win over Auburn. The mandated December ACC game had the Orange rousted from their comfy home and departing for Moody Coliseum in Dallas and a game with SMU. Syracuse overcame the unfamiliar surroundings and beat the Mustangs 78-69. Two additional home games wrapped up the n/c part of the season, both wins: Binghamton 72-54 and Mercyhurst 104-40.
ACC play has been largely successful, particularly as five of the eight games so far have been home games. Being at home did not help the Orange with dook, a 51-71 loss. FSU was a home win 82-72, Wake a true road win 73-58, Virginia Tech a home loss 57-77, Virginia a road win 79-60, and Cal plus Stanford home wins 90-87 and 69-58. The Cal win was in triple overtime. UNC is next.
Syracuse returned one veteran starter, 6-2 junior F Sophie Burrows (10.4/5.4). Other starters have been provided by the TP. These include Aurora Almón, a 6-4 sophomore F from Miami (1.3/4.7); Laila Phelia, a 6-0 senior G from Michigan (14.2/3.2); Journey Thompson, a 6-3 senior F who was a reserve last season but began her career at Arizona State where she was the Sun Devils leading rebounder and shot blocker; and Dominique Darius, a 5-10 GS G from Southern Cal (12.7/3.2).
Syracuse did have several reserve players return, and some, like Shy Hawkins, a 6-2 sophomore W (5.7/2.5) and Kiera Scott, a 6-1 sophomore F (3.2 ppg) have enjoyed larger roles in 2026.
Syracuse also brought in a four-player freshman class, and contributions are made by Camdyn Nelson, a 5-8 G (1.4 ppg) and Jasmyn Cooper, a 6-1 F (2.8). However, the biggest asset has been Uche Izoje, a 6-3 F/C originally from Nigeria. She is the #2 scorer (13.8), the top rebounder (8.9) and the top shot blocker with 56 so far.
Starters have varied a bit, but FWIW, the starters for the most recent ACC games have been Burrows, Phelia, Izoje, Darius and Almón with Hawkins, Schmitt, and Thompson most prominent off the bench. Izoje could prove a big problem, because if Turnage from GT could have 9 blocks Izoje could do more. Uche does, however, have a weakness: free throws (.484).
On the statistical side, Syracuse has decent numbers and is comparable to UNC numbers offensively. On defense, there is a clear Carolina advantage. UNC holds opponents to 60.4 ppg (#2), Syracuse to 69.0 (#11). The Heels also are #1 in defending FGs (36.1%) and 3Ps (27.3%). Syracuse would have an advantage overall in three point shooting at 37.2% (#2) while Carolina has been struggling at 29.9% (#12). In particular UNC needs to watch Phelia, averaging 42.9% on the year.
Syracuse HC Felisha Legette-Jack took over the program three seasons ago after a 10-year stint at Buffalo. Her record so far at Syracuse is 72-42 (34-28 ACC). Legette-Jack is a Syracuse alum where she held the records at graduation for points, rebounds, and FT made. In general, Syracuse appears to have rebounded from the disappointment of last season and seems to be on track to make post-season play.
The 5-3 Heels sit now in a 3-way tie for sixth place. The other contenders are Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Carolina has a game remaining with VT. Syracuse is in a 3-way tie for 3rd at 6-2. A Carolina win would pull them even and very importantly give them the tie breaker. The other teams tied with Syracuse are NCSU and Virginia; the Heels have games with both. The two teams at the top of the league are Louisville and dook, both 8-0. UNC has two games with dook. A second place finish is still on the table – but so is a lower finish. Carolina has a great opportunity since games remain with Clemson, Wake, SMU and Pitt, all with non-winning ACC records. Bottom line: Syracuse is a must-win home game and never mind the weather.
The Georgia Tech game was tough to watch. Shooting 28.8% from the floor will not win most ACC games. Fortunately for the Heels, GT was as expected doggie-doo on the three (2 of 20) which helped UNC to a 55-34 rebound advantage.
Streaming coverage is provided by ACCNX. Game time is Noon EST. The usual audio link with GoHeels is available. Remember that the radio show with Matt Krause starts a half hour before game time.
NCAA NET 40 (UNC 20); Massey rating 39 (UNC 23); RPI 34 (Nolan) (UNC 43); Torvik 42 (UNC 20)
Last season 12-18 (6-12, #13 seed); 0-1 ACCT, (Lost to BC 73-76, No postseason)
Sunday’s game for the 16-5 and #28/#21 Tar Heels is against Syracuse at Carmichael. UNC has played them 17 times, and is 8-9. Three UNC wins were before the Orange joined the ACC; since then the Heels are just 5-9. Last year’s game at the JMA Blimp Dome saw Carolina, behind Maria Gakdeng’s 21/14 double-double, Indya Nivar’s 11 and Trey Crisp’s 12 points grab a 68-58 win. There was a good bit of disappointment for the Orange fans last season as at 12-18 they were not selected for any post-season play.
For the game tomorrow, weather permitting, North Carolina is an 12-point favorite according to Massey; Nolan shows UNC winning by 9 and Torvik by 10.
Syracuse has played a decent schedule, to be fair. Rated #66 by the NCAA (UNC 83), the Orange did play one early season tournament. This was the Hall of Fame Classic in Uncasville, CT. There they split a pair of games, beating Utah 61-49 and losing to #6/9 Michigan 55-81. Prior to this, four games were played in the Blimp Dome, all wins. The wins were Stony Brook 74-50, UAlbany 64-45, Canisius 96-72 and Wagner, 78-29. The “Wireless” Dome (formerly the Carrier Dome) is considered a huge advantage for the home team because of the weird sight lines. It has always reminded me of the enormous hangars built to house the U.S. Navy’s fleet of pre-WW2 dirigibles – hence, “Blimp” Dome. Not a problem this year as it will be Carolina’s home game.
Syracuse disposed of Howard 78-62, again in the Dome, and the ACC/SEC Challenge was also a home game and was a 66-60 win over Auburn. The mandated December ACC game had the Orange rousted from their comfy home and departing for Moody Coliseum in Dallas and a game with SMU. Syracuse overcame the unfamiliar surroundings and beat the Mustangs 78-69. Two additional home games wrapped up the n/c part of the season, both wins: Binghamton 72-54 and Mercyhurst 104-40.
ACC play has been largely successful, particularly as five of the eight games so far have been home games. Being at home did not help the Orange with dook, a 51-71 loss. FSU was a home win 82-72, Wake a true road win 73-58, Virginia Tech a home loss 57-77, Virginia a road win 79-60, and Cal plus Stanford home wins 90-87 and 69-58. The Cal win was in triple overtime. UNC is next.
Syracuse returned one veteran starter, 6-2 junior F Sophie Burrows (10.4/5.4). Other starters have been provided by the TP. These include Aurora Almón, a 6-4 sophomore F from Miami (1.3/4.7); Laila Phelia, a 6-0 senior G from Michigan (14.2/3.2); Journey Thompson, a 6-3 senior F who was a reserve last season but began her career at Arizona State where she was the Sun Devils leading rebounder and shot blocker; and Dominique Darius, a 5-10 GS G from Southern Cal (12.7/3.2).
Syracuse did have several reserve players return, and some, like Shy Hawkins, a 6-2 sophomore W (5.7/2.5) and Kiera Scott, a 6-1 sophomore F (3.2 ppg) have enjoyed larger roles in 2026.
Syracuse also brought in a four-player freshman class, and contributions are made by Camdyn Nelson, a 5-8 G (1.4 ppg) and Jasmyn Cooper, a 6-1 F (2.8). However, the biggest asset has been Uche Izoje, a 6-3 F/C originally from Nigeria. She is the #2 scorer (13.8), the top rebounder (8.9) and the top shot blocker with 56 so far.
Starters have varied a bit, but FWIW, the starters for the most recent ACC games have been Burrows, Phelia, Izoje, Darius and Almón with Hawkins, Schmitt, and Thompson most prominent off the bench. Izoje could prove a big problem, because if Turnage from GT could have 9 blocks Izoje could do more. Uche does, however, have a weakness: free throws (.484).
On the statistical side, Syracuse has decent numbers and is comparable to UNC numbers offensively. On defense, there is a clear Carolina advantage. UNC holds opponents to 60.4 ppg (#2), Syracuse to 69.0 (#11). The Heels also are #1 in defending FGs (36.1%) and 3Ps (27.3%). Syracuse would have an advantage overall in three point shooting at 37.2% (#2) while Carolina has been struggling at 29.9% (#12). In particular UNC needs to watch Phelia, averaging 42.9% on the year.
Syracuse HC Felisha Legette-Jack took over the program three seasons ago after a 10-year stint at Buffalo. Her record so far at Syracuse is 72-42 (34-28 ACC). Legette-Jack is a Syracuse alum where she held the records at graduation for points, rebounds, and FT made. In general, Syracuse appears to have rebounded from the disappointment of last season and seems to be on track to make post-season play.
The 5-3 Heels sit now in a 3-way tie for sixth place. The other contenders are Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Carolina has a game remaining with VT. Syracuse is in a 3-way tie for 3rd at 6-2. A Carolina win would pull them even and very importantly give them the tie breaker. The other teams tied with Syracuse are NCSU and Virginia; the Heels have games with both. The two teams at the top of the league are Louisville and dook, both 8-0. UNC has two games with dook. A second place finish is still on the table – but so is a lower finish. Carolina has a great opportunity since games remain with Clemson, Wake, SMU and Pitt, all with non-winning ACC records. Bottom line: Syracuse is a must-win home game and never mind the weather.
The Georgia Tech game was tough to watch. Shooting 28.8% from the floor will not win most ACC games. Fortunately for the Heels, GT was as expected doggie-doo on the three (2 of 20) which helped UNC to a 55-34 rebound advantage.
Streaming coverage is provided by ACCNX. Game time is Noon EST. The usual audio link with GoHeels is available. Remember that the radio show with Matt Krause starts a half hour before game time.
