CHAPEL HILL — UNC capped a sweep of a three-game conference road trip with a win at rival NC State on Wednesday. So, the Tar Heels could be excused if they let down a little at home against Syracuse on Saturday.
The return to the Dean Dome energized the team, however, and the Heels continued playing their best ball of the season, blowing out the Orange, 103-67.
It was the most points and largest margin of victory in the UNC-Syracuse history and was the sixth straight double-digit win for the Tar Heels this season, their longest string since the national championship season of 2017. Carolina moved to 13-3 overall and 5-0 in the ACC, its best conference start in eight years.
The Tar Heels trailed once, at 3-2, and led by double digits for the final 31-plus minutes. They set season highs for points, rebounds (53), rebounding margin (plus-23), second-chance points (22) and points in the paint (58). The UNC defense held Syracuse to 36.5% shooting, the fifth straight foe to shoot below 40%, and Carolina held the Orange to 29% in the first half, the third straight sub-30% half for the Heels.
“We’re getting better defensively,” said UNC coach Hubert Davis. “It’s something that we’ve identified to allow us to be successful and to be the best team that we can possibly be.”
UNC also got 13 steals, its most in five years, led by a career-best five from RJ Davis.
“I’m a smaller guard, so just being able to be a pest and be aggressive on the defensive without fouling,” said RJ Davis. “I’ve really taken pride in my defense this year, and it’s showing, being in the right position to get those steals. It all starts with defense.”
Five Tar Heels scored in double figures, led by Davis’ 22. He was 4-of-6 from three, the 13th straight game that he’s hit multiple 3s, tying the second longest streak in UNC history.
“I just stay ready and knock it down when I get an open shot,” Davis said. “It’s all about me being aggressive as well, looking for my shot, and so far it’s been working.”
