UNC Builds Halftime Lead Over Syracuse In ACC Clash

The Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill was buzzing with anticipation on February 2, 2026, as the No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels welcomed the Syracuse Orange for a pivotal ACC showdown. By halftime, the Tar Heels had built a commanding 46-32 lead, putting themselves in prime position for a fourth consecutive victory and showcasing the kind of basketball that has fans dreaming of a deep postseason run.

North Carolina entered this matchup riding high, boasting double-digit victories in two of their last three games and fresh off a statement road win against a formidable Virginia squad. It’s a noticeable turnaround from an earlier season stretch that saw the Heels drop three of four, including tough losses to SMU, Stanford, and Cal. But something’s clicked since then, and Monday night’s first half against Syracuse was a testament to those improvements.

What’s been the secret sauce? Three-point shooting and defensive adjustments have been front and center. The numbers don’t lie: when UNC hits its stride from beyond the arc, they’re nearly unstoppable. The Tar Heels are a perfect 13-0 in games where they outshoot their opponents from deep, but a middling 4-4 when they don’t. In the opening half against Syracuse, UNC knocked down 6-of-11 triples, while the Orange managed just 3-of-6. That perimeter prowess kept the Orange at bay and opened up lanes for the Tar Heels’ attack.

First-year forward Caleb Wilson was the star of the show in the first half, pouring in 13 points on an efficient 4-for-7 shooting. Wilson’s development has been one of the brightest spots for North Carolina this season. He opened the scoring with a silky midrange jumper and continued to display a more diverse offensive skillset, hinting that his game is expanding beyond the paint. Observers have noticed that if his progress continues, a reliable standstill three-point shot could soon be part of his arsenal—something that would make the Tar Heels even more dangerous.

It wasn’t just the starters making noise. North Carolina’s bench stepped up in a big way, with Jonathan Powell chipping in 8 points and Jarin Stevenson adding 5 more in the first half. That kind of depth is exactly what head coach Hubert Davis has been looking for, especially as the grind of the ACC schedule intensifies. The bench’s scoring punch provided a much-needed boost during a crucial stretch late in the half.

Defensively, the Tar Heels have made notable strides since their early-season struggles. In particular, the team’s approach to defending high ball screens has improved dramatically. Earlier in the season, breakdowns in communication and a lack of a clear plan led to defensive lapses and open looks for opponents. But over the last three games—including this one—Davis and his staff have pressed the right buttons. Caleb Wilson has primarily switched on ball screens, using his athleticism to disrupt perimeter threats, while junior center Henri Veesaar has been tasked with playing drop coverage, anchoring the defense near the rim. This change has played to both players’ strengths and kept opposing offenses off balance.

The results have been tangible. In the first half, the Tar Heels held Syracuse to just 44 percent shooting from the field. For the first ten minutes, North Carolina’s stifling defense limited the Orange to a paltry 21.4 percent, building an early cushion. Yet, as is often the case in the ACC, no lead is safe. Syracuse mounted a 15-7 run to claw within five points, threatening to make things interesting. But UNC had an answer, responding with a 14-5 burst to close the half and reestablish control.

That late-half surge was a sight for sore eyes for Tar Heel faithful who remember the team’s earlier struggles to maintain and build first-half leads. The improved ball screen defense forced Syracuse into more isolation plays, which played right into Carolina’s hands. The Orange found themselves unable to get into a rhythm, and the Heels took full advantage.

On the sideline, head coach Hubert Davis was animated as ever, urging his team to keep up the intensity. The images from the game captured Davis’ passion, as well as the focus and energy of his players. From Caleb Wilson’s determined drives to Jonathan Powell’s poised contributions off the bench, this was a Tar Heel team playing with confidence and cohesion.

Across the court, Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry could be seen searching for answers as his team struggled to contain the Tar Heels’ balanced attack. The Orange had their moments—Donnie Freeman and Nate Kingz each provided sparks—but the first half belonged to North Carolina.

The Dean E. Smith Center crowd, always a factor, roared with approval as the Tar Heels closed the half on a high note. Guards like Derek Dixon and Kyan Evans contributed energy and hustle, while big men like Henri Veesaar and Jarin Stevenson anchored the paint. Even role players like Luka Bogavac and Jaydon Young got in on the action, demonstrating the kind of team-wide effort that has become a hallmark of this recent winning streak.

Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind: Can UNC maintain this level of play as the schedule ramps up? A looming matchup with rival Duke promises to be a major test of the Tar Heels’ newfound defensive identity and perimeter shooting. But for now, Davis and his squad appear to have found a winning formula—one that blends sharp shooting, improved communication, and a deep, engaged bench.

As the second half gets underway, all eyes are on whether North Carolina can hold off Syracuse and secure that coveted fourth straight victory. The adjustments made since the team’s early-season stumbles have paid dividends, and the Tar Heels seem to be peaking at just the right time.

With momentum on their side and a roster firing on all cylinders, the Tar Heels are poised to make some noise in the ACC. Fans in Chapel Hill and beyond will be watching closely as this developing story continues to unfold.