Syracuse Men's Basketball (6-6, 0-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference) starts the bulk of its ACC schedule on Tuesday when SU hosts Wake Forest (9-4, 1-1 in Atlantic Coast Conference). Syracuse is coming off a 75-63 win over Bucknell. So far this season, Syracuse has struggled on defense. The Orange rank outside the top 200 in scoring defense. However, SU was able to correct some of those issues on Saturday.
A strong offensive first half from @Cuse_MBB overpowered @Bucknell_MBB in a 75-63 win.@SamuelReisTV and @BurgessLuke03 were on the call for SU's victory that regained a .500 record. pic.twitter.com/x6Wgq7vcH6
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) December 28, 2024
“I thought it was the best defensive game we had all year,” SU head coach Adrian Autry said. "I thought it was more active. I thought we had some more energy, and I thought we rebounded really well.”
The 63 points given up were the fewest the Orange have surrendered all season. Syracuse hopes to carry over that defensive momentum against Wake Forest.
The Demon Deacons only average 68 points per game, the second lowest in the ACC. However, Wake kept it close against 25th-ranked Clemson, losing 72-63. The Orange have also struggled against mid-major teams like Youngstown State, Le Moyne and Colgate.
“We had a pretty challenging non-conference,” coach Autry said. “I think it will help us going forward.”

While Tuesday's contest is only the second ACC game of the season for SU, point guard Jaquan Carlos described the game as a “must-win”.
Tipoff between SU and Wake Forest is set for 2. Tune in to WAER at 1:30 for McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff.