Facing the #7 team in the nation, @Cuse_MBB upset @UNC_Basketball 86-79.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) February 14, 2024
Judah Mintz and JJ Starling combined for 48 points to push the Orange to victory. @JoePuccio_ and @francescosim16 had the call. pic.twitter.com/b7rtCjA1L3
No depth no problem, Syracuse men's basketball (16-9, 7-7 Atlantic Coast Conference) upset number seven North Carolina (19-6, 11-3 ACC) 86-79 yesterday. For the second game in a row, SU head coach Adrian Autry trotted out only seven players onto the floor the entire game. It simply didn’t matter how many people played, the ‘Cuse got the job done for its first win over a top-ten team since 2019.
What made the upset seem so improbable was last time the Orange went head-to-head with the Tar Heels it didn’t go well, plain and simple. Back in January, UNC completely trounced SU 103-67, it was by far the worst performance of the season. This time around the ‘Cuse came ready to play and controlled from the jump. Adrian Autry saw a few key differences from the previous contest.
“We took care of the basketball. We had our composure…We just scored the ball,” Autry said.
The studs of the night were guards Judah Mintz and JJ Starling. The former racked up a game-high 25 points, grabbed five boards, and hit 9 of 11 free throw attempts. The latter scored 23, connected on three triples, and grabbed 3 rebounds of his own. The electric backcourt pairing played the entire game together to lead SU’s upset over UNC.
Syracuse Guard JJ Starling kissed a three-point shot off the glass and in to help @Cuse_MBB regain the lead. @francescosim16 told the story of the unconventional triple.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) February 14, 2024
🎙️https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P, @waer883 pic.twitter.com/F8HD7KF6fg
The offense was on display in bunches, but it was an interesting defensive strategy that helped Syracuse against North Carolina. Adrian Autry brought back the polarizing strategy his predecessor Jim Boeheim ran for 47 years. ‘
SU threw plenty of the 2-3 zone at UNC and it worked, especially when it mattered.
“I thought the zone was really good. It got the stops we needed,” Autry said.
Syracuse racked up 10 steals on defense to give its best effort at slowing down the North Carolina offense. Who would’ve thought going back to what many fans had grown to hate would bring all the joy in the world?
The highlight of the night for most fans was on the court but it wasn’t by any of the players. When the final buzzer sounded the Syracuse fans flooded Jim Boeheim court to celebrate with the players. For many it was an incredible experience but SU guard Judah Mintz it was truly memorable
"I know how much the Orange fans love us and it was special to get a win like that," Mintz said.
COURT STORM FOR @Cuse_MBB 🍊 pic.twitter.com/4XuRw0zHlb
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 14, 2024
That picture right there embodies the love and support the community, students and fans have for the program. There’s another ten days before the orange faithful can see their team in action at home but SU’s week isn’t over just yet. Syracuse takes on Georgia Tech (10-14, 3-10 ACC) on Saturday. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. and WAER’s coverage begins at 5 p.m. with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff.