A look at things to watch this week in the Atlantic Coast Conference:
GAME OF THE WEEKEND: No. 6 North Carolina at Syracuse. The preseason favorite Tar Heels (14-2) are 3-0 in the ACC for the first time since their Final Four season of 2007-08, and they’re chasing their first 4-0 start since starting 11-0 in 2000-01. They’re headed to Syracuse (10-6, 0-3) in time for Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim’s return from a nine-game NCAA suspension, which should add some juice to Saturday night’s matchup in the Carrier Dome. “I’m sure he’ll have a chip on his shoulder that will reflect on us as well,” leading scorer Michael Gbinije said after Tuesday’s loss to Clemson.