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North Carolina vs. Syracuse picks for the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four matchup between the Tar Heels and Orange.

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As all the other favorites fell short during the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend, the North Carolina Tar Heels held strong. Roy’s boys have, once again, made it to the Final Four.

This year might be Williams’ best coaching performance since he returned to Chapel Hill 13 seasons ago. Health problems (both with his knees and a bout of vertigo) and rumblings of NCAA sanctions have failed to deter this veteran-laden Heels squad. North Carolina has proven that it can win in a variety of ways this season – whether hitting from the outside, pounding the rock inside, or smothering teams with defense. As the lone No. 1 remaining, there’s little question who is the Final Four favorite.

After the final buzzer, as the Midwest Region’s television coverage faded out, announcer Kevin Harlan kept saying “What grit!” as if on repeat. It was the perfect description for the Syracuse Orange, who mere moments earlier had knocked off No. 1-seeded Virginia to reach the Final Four in Houston.

Syracuse’s performance against Virginia was, in a word, masterful. At one point the Orange were down 14 before ratcheting up their full-court press. The press rattled Virginia, helped Syracuse take the lead, and from there the 2-3 zone carried Jim Boeheim’s team to victory.

There has been no team faced with more adversity and turbulence than Syracuse this season. Through Boeheim’s suspension, losing streaks and bubble talk the Orange are now headed to Houston, peaking at the right time.

Below are the Campus Insiders North Carolina vs. Syracuse picks.

Jonathan Bass

It’ll be fascinating to watch the Tar Heels work against Syracuse’s full-court press – and they’ll be more efficient around the basket than Virginia was. Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks will have to own the top of the key against the 2-3 zone, too. Regardless, there’s too much talent here to be deterred.

Pete Fiutak

The tournament is over. North Carolina has played like the best team in college basketball over the last month, and now it’s about to flex its muscle. Syracuse has been a cute story, but it’s a No. 10 seed for a reason – the Tar Heels are about to show why.

Glenn McGraw

North Carolina is 2-0 against Syracuse this season and that’s not about to change. The Tar Heels have too much talent to be stifled by Cuse’s zone defense. UNC advances to the national championship game and cuts down the nets next Monday night.

Robert Judin

Syracuse has had quite the run. A 10-seed afterthought entering the tournament, Jim Boeheim has once again coached the Orange to a Final Four. But this is where it all ends, because awaiting is North Carolina. Roy Williams’ squad rolls the Orange on its way to another national championship.

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