It ain't over till it’s over is usually a pretty good rule to live by. But there are always exceptions to the rule and the Gotham classic between Maryland (10-2, 1-1 Big Ten) and Syracuse (5-6, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) is a prime example of why. The Orange trailed the Terps by 25 at the break, ultimately losing the contest 87-60. SU’s 17 first-half points are the least in a half since a 15-point performance against Virginia in 2019. The biggest reason for the early discrepancy was the shooting efficiency between the two sides. In the first 20 minutes, the Cuse shot 28% from the field, while UMD converted 48%.
There's no other way to put it: @Cuse_MBB was dismantled by @TerrapinHoops in Brooklyn. @Austin_Barach and @JLeonard1013 were on the call for the brutal 27 point SU loss. pic.twitter.com/WJjF5obbRJ
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) December 21, 2024
Syracuse rebounded in the second half putting up 43 points on 59% shooting, but it was much too late as Maryland beat the Cuse for the first time since 1980. Terps guard Selton Miguel was one of many reasons for the blowout in Brooklyn. The senior went 6 for 9 from deep and scored 24 points for the second straight contest.
In a game with few positives, the Orange's three-point shooting was a bright spot. SU went eight of 16 from deep, 7 of which came in the second half. Despite this, forward Chris Bell continued to struggle, coming up short on his sole three-point attempt. The junior has missed 13 straight from deep, converting just 23% from three this year.

With the loss, the Orange have now lost 3 games in Brooklyn this year and have fallen below .500 for the first time this season. After the contest, Head Coach Adrian Autry had some strong words on SU’s performance
“It’s embarrassing, very disappointing. Today we did not compete,” Autry said.
Are these blowout losses to Power 5 teams becoming the norm for @Cuse_MBB?@adam_gotkin and @BurgessLuke03 think so.
— WAER Sports Talk (@WAERSportsTalk) December 21, 2024
📞: 315-443-2011
📱: 315-556-3929 pic.twitter.com/a4KBGhsXeZ
The Orange have now lost 18 games in coach Red’s year and a half tenure as head coach. When asked if this was his worst loss as the head man, Autry had a straightforward answer.
“Yes, this was the worst,” said Autry.
SU has a week to lament the loss before taking on Bucknell Saturday. It would be the Orange’s third straight win against the Bisons. Gametime is set for 2. Our coverage on 88.3 FM and waer.org starts with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 1:30.