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Syracuse Basketball: North Carolina ACC Tournament predictions

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 04: Garrison Brooks #15 of the University of North Carolina shoots a free throw during a game between Georgia Tech and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on January 4, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
CHAPEL HILL, NC - JANUARY 04: Garrison Brooks #15 of the University of North Carolina shoots a free throw during a game between Georgia Tech and North Carolina at Dean E. Smith Center on January 4, 2020 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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Chris Queripel, contributor (22-9)

It’s time for the ACC tournament and ‘Cuse holds the sixth seed. Syracuse faces the 14th ranked North Carolina team. Despite the difference in league seeding, this game won’t be an easy matchup.

Just a few games ago these two squads faced off and UNC got the better of Syracuse. Let’s take a look at that game before we dive into this week’s prediction.

The Tarheels topped the Orange 92-79. Garrison Brooks was a major factor with a game-high 26 points and 14 rebounds. Freshman phenom Cole Anthony also added 25 points. If it wasn’t for Anthony’s injury this season then he would earn more national recognition and Syracuse can’t let him get too comfortable.

UNC rolled through the first round of the tournament against 11th ranked Virginia Tech. They won that game 78-56. Brooks once again stood out leading the team with 20 points. Even though North Carolina has a poor overall record I wouldn’t rule them out as a formidable threat.

In fact, I believe they could be a sleeper in this tournament. Now for Syracuse, it looks like Elijah Hughes will be ready to go for game time. After missing the second half of the last game their star should be good to go. Look for Hughes to take over.

However, if multiple players aren’t able to score at will then I believe this will be a difficult matchup for Syracuse. Especially if Syracuse cannot control the paint then UNC has all the power. While this is a six versus 14 matchup I do not see it playing out that way.

This game plays out under the direction of two of the most winningest college basketball coaches of all time. It’s hard to say this but it wouldn’t surprise me if the coaching decisions played out like a chess match and determined the victor in this game. I could see it ending up either way but my gut is telling me UNC wins this game. I predict the Tar Heels win 77-72 over the Orange.

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