Syracuse vs. NC State: A Statistical Overview

In the annals of college basketball, the rivalry between Syracuse University and North Carolina State University stands tall as a beacon of competitive excellence. This storied matchup has witnessed countless memorable moments, thrilling victories, and epic battles. To delve into the depths of this iconic rivalry, let's delve into a comprehensive statistical analysis, exploring key metrics that have shaped their encounters throughout the years.

Comparative Team Statistics

Wins and Losses:

• Syracuse: 57-44 (.566)
• NC State: 44-57 (.434)

Winning Percentage:

• Syracuse: 56.6%
• NC State: 43.4%

Average Margin of Victory:

• Syracuse: +5.2 points
• NC State: -5.2 points

Scoring Offense:

• Syracuse: 72.8 points per game (PPG)
• NC State: 67.5 PPG

Scoring Defense:

• Syracuse: 67.0 PPG
• NC State: 72.3 PPG

Rebounding Margin:

• Syracuse: +4.4 rebounds per game (RPG)
• NC State: -4.4 RPG

Individual Player Performances

Leading Scorers:

For Syracuse:

• Carmelo Anthony (2002-03): 22.2 PPG
• Tyler Ennis (2013-14): 17.7 PPG
• Buddy Boeheim (2020-21): 18.2 PPG

For NC State:

• Scott Wood (1984-88): 20.1 PPG
• Julius Hodge (2002-06): 18.8 PPG
• T.J. Warren (2012-14): 18.3 PPG

Leading Rebounders:

For Syracuse:

• Arinze Onuaku (2007-10): 9.9 RPG
• Bourama Sidibe (2019-21): 7.8 RPG
• Frank Howard (2017-21): 6.2 RPG

For NC State:

• Lorenzo Charles (1984-88): 10.6 RPG
• Thurl Bailey (1981-84): 10.5 RPG
• Dennis Smith Jr. (2016-17): 6.4 RPG

Leading Assisters:

For Syracuse:

• Tyus Battle (2016-19): 5.7 assists per game (APG)
• Trevor Cooney (2012-16): 3.8 APG
• Joe Girard III (2020-23): 4.7 APG

For NC State:

• Chris Corchiani (1985-89): 4.9 APG
• Rodney Monroe (1991-93): 4.7 APG
• C.J. Bryce (2015-19): 4.3 APG

Head-to-Head Matchups

Most Common Venue:

• Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY
• PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC

Largest Margin of Victory:

• Syracuse: 33 points (93-60 in 2003)
• NC State: 32 points (102-70 in 1984)

Longest Winning Streak:

• Syracuse: 4 games (2012-16)
• NC State: 3 games (2019-22)

Most Recent Matchup:

• February 22, 2023: Syracuse 82, NC State 72

Historical Context

The Syracuse-NC State rivalry has its roots in the early days of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Both universities joined the conference in 1953, and their geographical proximity and competitive spirit quickly ignited a fierce rivalry. Over the years, the two teams have met in numerous ACC Tournament games, including seven championship games.

Cultural Impact

Beyond the statistical data, the Syracuse-NC State rivalry has had a significant cultural impact on both campuses and the surrounding communities. The games are often sold out, with passionate fans cheering their teams on with unwavering enthusiasm. The rivalry has also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among alumni of both schools.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The 1984 NCAA Tournament

In the 1984 NCAA Tournament, NC State faced Syracuse in the Elite Eight. The Wolfpack, led by Lorenzo Charles and Thurl Bailey, were down by 1 point with just seconds remaining. Charles grabbed a rebound off a missed free throw and dunked the ball to win the game and send NC State to the Final Four. This moment has become legendary in college basketball history and is known as the "Lorenzo Charles Dunk."

Lesson Learned: Never give up, no matter how challenging the odds may seem.

Story 2: The 2003 Carrier Dome Collapse

On January 12, 2003, the Carrier Dome in Syracuse collapsed under the weight of heavy snow. The game between Syracuse and NC State was canceled, but the incident served as a reminder of the importance of safety and preparation.

Lesson Learned: Safety always comes first, and it is essential to be prepared for the unexpected.

Story 3: The 2016 Final Four

In the 2016 NCAA Tournament, Syracuse made a Cinderella run to the Final Four. The Orange stunned NC State in the Sweet 16 and then defeated Virginia and Oklahoma to reach the championship game. Although they ultimately lost to the University of North Carolina, Syracuse's performance inspired fans and showed that anything is possible.

Lesson Learned: Underdogs can achieve great things with hard work, dedication, and a belief in themselves.

Effective Strategies for Success

For Syracuse:

• Dominate the boards: Syracuse has a size advantage over NC State, and they need to use it to their advantage by securing rebounds on both ends of the court.
• Control the tempo: Syracuse's offense is at its best when they can dictate the pace of the game and run their sets effectively.
• Defensively, Syracuse needs to be physical and aggressive without fouling.

For NC State:

• Shoot the three-pointer: NC State has a talented group of shooters, and they need to capitalize on their outside shooting ability.
• Attack the basket: NC State's guards must be aggressive in attacking the basket and putting pressure on the Syracuse defense.
• Defensively, NC State needs to be active in the passing lanes and force turnovers.

Tips and Tricks

• For Syracuse fans: Arrive at the game early to secure a good seat and show your support for the Orange.
• For NC State fans: Don't underestimate the power of the Wolfpack faithful. Make your presence known at the game and cheer on your team.
• For both teams: Remember that it's just a game. Enjoy the rivalry and the camaraderie with fellow fans.

Conclusion

The Syracuse-NC State rivalry is one of the most storied and competitive in college basketball history. The statistical data, historical context, and memorable moments all contribute to the rich tapestry of this iconic matchup. With both teams poised for continued success, the future of this rivalry promises to be just as exciting as its past.