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Donnie Freeman dazzles in Syracuse’s 102-85 win over UAlbany

Donnie Freeman (1, white) celebrates during SU’s win over UAlbany.
cuse.com
Donnie Freeman (1, white) celebrates during SU’s win over UAlbany.

Syracuse Men’s Basketball (5-4, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) forward Donnie Freeman led all scorers with a career high 24 points in SU’s 102-85 victory against UAlbany (5-6, 0-0 American East Conference). The freshman shot 77% from the field and was a perfect 4/4 from 3-point land.

“Our staff really emphasized us playing free and playing confident,” Freeman said. “I started inside out. My first three buckets were dunks… My teammates started finding me, and the basket opened up.”

Donnie Freeman (1, white) slams home a dunk in SU’s win over UAlbany.
cuse.com
Donnie Freeman (1, white) slams home a dunk in SU’s win over UAlbany.

Freeman did not start against the Great Danes because he was a game-time decision due to him not feeling well, according to head coach Adrian Autry in his postgame press conference. Coach Red joked about Freeman’s state after the game.

“Whatever he has, he needs to keep that,” Autry said. “If he can keep playing like that or whatever he was feeling… but he came in and said, ‘I’m ready to go.’”

And I don’t know how he’s been feeling recently, but Freeman has turned around his season. Through his first five games, the former 247sports 5-star averaged just under 10 points per game on 42% shooting. In his last four outings, Freeman has averaged about 20ppg with almost a 60% field goal percentage. However, coach Autry still wants to see more.

“Donnie can score, but we need him to do a little more,” the second year headman said. “We need these guys to rebound a little more. I believe we have one of the best frontcourts in the country, but we have to get these guys and our team better as far as rebounding the ball.”

The 6-foot-9-inch forward has averaged just under nine rebounds per game, including eight boards last night.

Freeman and Syracuse return to action on Saturday in the 100th matchup against rival Georgetown. The Washington, D.C. native is excited to play his hometown school.

“They got some of my guys over there. I’m looking forward to competing,” Freeman said. “My dad is a Syracuse fan… growing up, I’ve always loved watching that matchup. I’m ecstatic I get to play in it myself.”

Freeman and the Orange take on the Hoyas this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Tune into WAER.org at 2 p.m. for Countdown to Tipoff.