Remember the last time a UNC win didn't satisfy fans? If you guessed Monday night, after the Tar Heels' closer-than-expected 87-77 victory against Syracuse , you are correct.
Despite leading by 32 points halfway through the second half, North Carolina (18-4, 6-3 ACC) watched that lead dwindle down to six with a minute left. The Tar Heels took their foot off the gas, allowing the struggling Orange (13-10, 4-6 ACC) a chance to complete an improbable comeback.
UNC closed the game with four free throws, thanks to two makes apiece from Jarin Stevenson and Seth Trimble . North Carolina's aggressiveness paid off, converting of 25 of 35 (71 percent) trips to the free throw line.
The Tar Heels enjoyed a solid shooting night, making 48% of their field goal attempts, which included a 44% mark from deep. UNC enjoyed another night of solid perimeter defense, limiting the Orange (13-10, 4-6 ACC) to just six makes.
Henri Veesaar enjoyed another solid night in the paint, scoring 17 points and recording 11 rebounds, surpassing Caleb Wilson for most double-doubles in the ACC. Wilson scored North Carolina's first four points, later ending his night with a team-high 22.
Bench production played a major role in the Tar Heels' win, with Luka Bogavac and Jonathan Powell combining for 22 points. Powell nailed a UNC-best three trifectas, while Bogavac enjoyed his third-straight game in double-digits.
Sure, North Carolina's ending is concerning, but a win is a win. Take a look at several social media reactions from across Tar Heel Nation.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Social media reacts to Monday victory vs. Syracuse
