UNC Basketball: 5 key games for the upcoming season
By Reece Helms
January 11th at Syracuse
Apr 6, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Syracuse Orange mascot entertains fans prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines in the semifinals during the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
It might take some getting used to, but Syracuse is now a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, along with Pittsburgh, making the competition in the ACC even stronger.
Syracuse is coming off a devastating loss to Michigan in the Final Four last season, and they are losing 3 of their core players from last season in Brandon Triche, James Southerland, and Michael Carter-Williams, who declared for the NBA Draft.
Last time UNC played Syracuse, it was in the 2009-2010 season, which was the year the Tar Heels had to settle for an NIT berth. The Orange won that matchup in Madison Square Garden 87-71, as Wesley Johnson was the high-point man with 27 points in the game.
This time the Tar Heels will have to travel to the Carrier Dome to take on the Syracuse Orange, the first matchup between the 2 teams since Syracuse took their talents to the ACC. North Carolina needs to show them who is boss in the ACC, as a win in this game will be crucial.