No. 16 UNC bounces back with 77-64 win over Syracuse

Henri Veesaar returned to the starting lineup and scored 19 points in leading the Tar Heels to victory.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The 16th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Syracuse Orange 77-64 on Saturday. Henri Veesaar led the Tar Heels with 19 points, returning to the starting lineup after missing the team's previous two games. Seth Trimble and Luka Bogavac also scored in double figures for UNC, while J.J. Starling had 22 points for Syracuse in the losing effort.

Why it matters

This was an important bounce-back win for North Carolina, which had suffered a 24-point loss to NC State in its previous game. The Tar Heels are looking to solidify their position in the ACC standings and NCAA Tournament picture, while Syracuse is trying to improve its record and tournament chances.

The details

North Carolina outscored Syracuse 42-32 in the paint and scored 13 points off 10 Orange turnovers. The Tar Heels went on an 8-0 run midway through the second half to take control of the game after Syracuse had tied it at 44. Caleb Wilson, UNC's leading scorer, missed his third straight game due to a hand injury.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • North Carolina's previous game was a 24-point loss to NC State on Tuesday.

The players

Henri Veesaar

A 7-foot center for North Carolina who averages 16.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

Seth Trimble

A guard for North Carolina who scored 13 points in the game.

Luka Bogavac

A player for North Carolina who scored 13 points.

J.J. Starling

A player for Syracuse who led the team with 22 points.

William Kyle III

A player for Syracuse who had 8 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Tar Heels will host Louisville on Monday, while Syracuse will travel to face Wake Forest on Saturday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted North Carolina's ability to bounce back from a tough loss and get a key conference win, while Syracuse continues to struggle to find consistency this season.