The Final Word: Beat writers discuss Syracuse’s 93-85 loss to No. 5 North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Three days after then-No. 1 Duke handled Syracuse (18-10, 9-6 Atlantic Coast) in the Carrier Dome, the Orange were up three points to one of the hottest teams in the nation in No. 5 North Carolina (23-5, 13-2). Up 46-43, SU blew its slim halftime lead as Marek Dolezaj and Elijah Hughes fouled out near the conclusion of the game to end any hope of a comeback. Hughes scored 15 points — but was scoreless in the second half — and Syracuse was led by 29 points from Tyus Battle. UNC’s Coby White dropped 34 points on the Orange, including six 3-pointers.

Here’s what our beat writers had to say about Syracuse’s loss.