Syracuse vs. NC State: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rivalry

The rivalry between the Syracuse Orange and NC State Wolfpack is one of the most intense and storied in college basketball. The two teams have met 100 times since 1922, with Syracuse holding a slight edge with 51 wins to NC State's 49.

History of the Rivalry

The rivalry began in 1922, when Syracuse defeated NC State 39-30 in their first meeting. The two teams played sporadically over the next few decades, but the rivalry began to heat up in the 1970s and 1980s.

During this time, both teams were perennial contenders for the national championship. Syracuse won the national championship in 1987, while NC State won the title in 1974 and 1983.

The rivalry reached its peak in the 1990s, when the two teams met in the NCAA Tournament four times in five years. Syracuse won three of those meetings, including a 77-74 victory in the 1996 national championship game.

Key Moments in the Rivalry

Some of the most memorable moments in the Syracuse-NC State rivalry include:

• 1975: NC State defeats Syracuse 103-100 in overtime in the NCAA Tournament regional final.
• 1983: NC State defeats Syracuse 81-79 in the NCAA Tournament regional final on a last-second shot by Lorenzo Charles.
• 1985: Syracuse defeats NC State 79-78 in the NCAA Tournament second round on a last-second shot by Rony Seikaly.
• 1996: Syracuse defeats NC State 77-74 in the NCAA Tournament national championship game.
• 2013: Syracuse defeats NC State 95-88 in overtime in the ACC Tournament championship game.

Key Figures in the Rivalry

Some of the most notable players who have participated in the Syracuse-NC State rivalry include:

• Syracuse: Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Coleman, Billy Gabor, Dave Bing, John Wallace
• NC State: David Thompson, Monte Towe, Thurl Bailey, Lorenzo Charles, Rodney Monroe

Current State of the Rivalry

The Syracuse-NC State rivalry is still going strong today. The two teams have met every year since 2013, and the games are always competitive.

In recent years, NC State has had the upper hand, winning the last three meetings. However, Syracuse is always a threat, and the next time these two teams meet, it is sure to be another classic.

Strategies for Winning the Syracuse-NC State Rivalry

There are a few key strategies that teams can use to improve their chances of winning the Syracuse-NC State rivalry:

• Control the tempo: Both Syracuse and NC State like to play fast-paced games, so it is important to control the tempo and not let the other team get into a rhythm.
• Limit turnovers: Turnovers can be costly in any game, but they are especially costly in a rivalry game. Teams need to be careful with the ball and not give the other team easy opportunities to score.
• Make your free throws: Free throws can be the difference between winning and losing, so it is important to make your free throws when you get to the line.
• Play with intensity: Rivalry games are always intense, so it is important to play with intensity and not let the other team push you around.

Tips and Tricks for Winning the Syracuse-NC State Rivalry

Here are a few tips and tricks that teams can use to improve their chances of winning the Syracuse-NC State rivalry:

• Use a zone defense: Syracuse and NC State both have talented guards, so using a zone defense can help to slow them down and make it difficult for them to score.
• Double-team the post: Both Syracuse and NC State have talented post players, so it is important to double-team them in the post and make it difficult for them to get easy baskets.
• Crash the boards: Rebounding is important in any game, but it is especially important in a rivalry game. Teams need to crash the boards and make sure they are getting every rebound they can.
• Be aggressive on the offensive glass: Offensive rebounds can lead to second-chance points, so it is important to be aggressive on the offensive glass and try to get as many offensive rebounds as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Syracuse-NC State Rivalry

Here are a few common mistakes that teams should avoid in the Syracuse-NC State rivalry:

• Getting into foul trouble: Fouls can be costly in any game, but they are especially costly in a rivalry game. Teams need to be careful not to get into foul trouble and give the other team free throws.
• Letting the other team get hot: Syracuse and NC State both have talented shooters, so it is important to not let the other team get hot from the field. Teams need to play good defense and make it difficult for the other team to make shots.
• Giving up on the game: Rivalry games are always tough, but it is important to never give up on the game. Teams need to fight until the end and never give up on the chance to win.

Conclusion

The Syracuse-NC State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college basketball. The two teams have met 100 times since 1922, and the games are always competitive.

There are a few key strategies that teams can use to improve their chances of winning the Syracuse-NC State rivalry. Teams need to control the tempo, limit turnovers, make their free throws, and play with intensity.

Teams should also avoid getting into foul trouble, letting the other team get hot, and giving up on the game.

The next time Syracuse and NC State meet, it is sure to be another classic.