Syracuse opens as underdog against North Carolina (make your prediction)

Syracuse can take a lot of stress out of Selection Sunday with an upset win over North Carolina. (Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Syracuse men's basketball team likely needs a win over North Carolina to feel confident about its chances heading into Selection Sunday. The odds aren't great.

Syracuse opened as a seven-point underdog against the No. 12 Tar Heels, according to the website VegasInsider.com. If Syracuse doesn't get a win it will set up a third straight Selection Sunday where the Orange are sweating out their prospects.

The Tar Heels (22-9, 11-7) are a difficult matchup for the Orange (20-12, 8-10) because of a well-balanced roster and scoring ability that rivals any team in college…