UNC Surges Late in First Half to Extend Lead vs. Syracuse

Tar Heels use strong finishes to first halves to build momentum heading into second half

Feb. 3, 2026 at 12:31am

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The North Carolina Tar Heels have developed a trend of closing out the first half of games strongly, using late runs to extend leads or cut deficits. In their recent 87-77 win over Syracuse, UNC led by just 5 points with 3 minutes left in the first half before going on a 12-0 run to take a 14-point lead into halftime. This surge carried over into the second half, with the Tar Heels eventually building a 32-point advantage. UNC coach Hubert Davis praised his team's ability to finish halves well, noting it has been an area of improvement from earlier in the season.

Why it matters

Closing out first halves strongly has been a key factor in several of UNC's recent wins. The late-half runs have allowed the Tar Heels to build momentum and confidence heading into the second half, leading to more productive starts and ultimately, victories. This trend shows the team's growth and maturity over the course of the season.

The details

In the win over Syracuse, UNC led by just 5 points with 3:05 left in the first half before going on a 12-0 run to take a 14-point lead into halftime. This surge carried over into the second half, with the Tar Heels eventually building a 32-point advantage. Similar late-half runs have helped UNC in other recent games, including a comeback win over then-No. 14 Virginia and a double-digit victory over Georgia Tech.

  • With 3:05 left in the first half, UNC led Syracuse by 5 points.
  • Over the final 3:05 of the first half, UNC went on a 12-0 run to take a 14-point lead into halftime.
  • UNC's 12-0 run to close the first half grew into a 40-14 run over a 13:35 span, extending their lead to 32 points in the second half.

The players

Hubert Davis

The head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.

Caleb Wilson

A forward on the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.

Henri Veesaar

The center on the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the way that we played ending the half and the way that we started the second half was some of our best basketball.”

— Hubert Davis, Head Coach

“Sometimes we're down and we need that momentum, but sometimes it just brings us to a great place going into the second half. It's all about momentum, basketball is a game of runs, so the more runs you can get — especially towards the end of halves — are definitely important for us to get into a good second half or a good end to the game.”

— Caleb Wilson, Forward

“I think just having the awareness and being disciplined enough to have the little lead and be able to guard it. And just overall, trying to make the little push, trying to get to halftime with a little bit bigger lead or trying to cut it a little bit closer.”

— Henri Veesaar, Center

What’s next

The Tar Heels will look to continue their strong first-half finishes as they aim to build momentum heading into the second half of their remaining regular season games.

The takeaway

UNC's ability to close out first halves strongly has been a key factor in their recent success, allowing them to build leads or cut deficits and carry that momentum into the second half. This trend shows the team's growth and maturity over the course of the season, and if they can maintain this focus and intensity at the end of halves, they will be in a good position to win close games down the stretch.