If Syracuse proved anything through its uphill Final Four run, it's that seeding doesn't mean a thing. All eyes are set on this game versus North Carolina on April 2, 2016 beginning at 8:49 p.m. EST.

The Orangemen were a bubble team, if they could even be considered as much, that posted 300-to-1 odds among Vegas odds makers when March Madness began; only Connecticut has ever won a championship with their backs so high against the wall, overcoming 100-to-1 odds two years ago.

It's not like Syracuse's underdog status is unwarranted. They're coming off a self-imposed postseason ban that made anything beyond an NIT berth worth celebrating. The 2015-16 campaign began with five losses in six games - 0-4 in conference play - and ended as unenthusiastically, with a second-round ACC Tournament exit against the humdrum Pittsburgh Panthers.

This should be a rebuilding year for Jim Boeheim's squad. Instead, they're in Houston; one of four teams volleying for the NCAA Men's Basketball title amid conversations that they shouldn't have even been given a chance.

Syracuse's Road to the Final Four

Michael Gbinije is the Orange's best player - leading in points, rebounds, and assists per game - but Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon's composure was crucial in the long run.

The pair of freshmen led second-half comebacks against Dayton, Gonzaga, and No. 1 seeded Virginia by averaging 26.6 points and nine boards. Richardson may be the only reasons Syracuse outlasted the Cavaliers. He scorched Virginia's stalwart defense in their Elite Eight matchup by scoring 21 of his game-high 23 points in the second half, including a late 23-4 run that capitulated the Orangemen's improbable rally.

In between regular season wins over favorites Duke, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame were bungles against Florida St. and St. John's. The latter wasn't enough to deter the tournament's selection committee from awarding Syracuse, nor was snubs of mid-major teams like Monmouth and St. Bonaventure.

Their 10th-seed is a mystery of its own. Not only did the Orangemen make it, they avoided the First Four. Come Saturday, they can't avoid the juggernaut that awaits.

Blue-Bloods Face Off

Budding point guard Maurice Paige is 13-for-27 from three-point land in March, and sure-fire NBA lottery pick Brice Johnson hasn't dropped fewer than 20 points and 10 rebounds since the first round.

North Carolina coasted through the tournament much like they rode a current of victories during the regular reason. Thanks to Johnson and Paige, the offense is overwhelming, if not unstoppable from every aspect. The only chance Syracuse has is to match them shot-for-shot from beyond the arch, much like they did in a near-loss Feb. 29.

Both teams heavily rely on three-pointers, though the Orange's 2-3 zone scheme was made to defend it. The Tar Heels made 6-of-25 shots in their narrow 75-70 win. Their presence under the boards was minimized to the point that they were out-rebounded by smaller Syracuse forwards, 40 to 34.

Any chance of the Orange extending their improbable run will be with a similar game plan.

Improbable defines Syracuse's journey to the Midwest Region title. It also defines their chance of winning against top-seeded North Carolina this weekend.

How to Watch

Syracuse-North Carolina immediately follows the Villanova-Oklahoma matchup. The tentative start time is 8:49 p.m. EST and will air on TBS. Fans can live stream the Final Four through the NCAA March Madness Live website and app.

Samsung Gear VR headset owners can watch the game in virtual reality by downloading the app through the Oculus store.