Syracuse men’s basketball (7-8, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) relied on a shutdown defensive effort to notch its first conference victory with a 62-55 victory over Georgia Tech (8-8, 2-3 ACC) Tuesday night. The Orange allowed a season-low 55 points and led for all but four minutes.
For the first time this season, @Cuse_MBB picks up a win in ACC play.@ginoantimarino and @GriffinMarcy1 detailed how the Orange grabbed a seven point win over @GTMBB. pic.twitter.com/PfCc1OWNBZ
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 8, 2025
Despite the absence of Donnie Freeman, who missed the contest due to a right leg injury, Syracuse jumped out to a fast start. The Orange held the Yellow Jackets scoreless for nearly the first five minutes.
“Nobody was making shots and it was a slug fest,” head coach Adrian Autry said.
Georgia Tech shot just 19% from three with only guard Naithan George (10), and guard Lance Terry (18) recording double-figures. By holding the Yellow Jackets to just two three-pointers in the first half, Syracuse maintained a 25-24 lead into the break.
A balanced offensive effort helped SU pull ahead for good in the second half. JJ Starling spearheaded the attack with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting in just his second game back from a left-hand injury. Eddie Lampkin Jr. added a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the glass. Chris Bell and Lucas Taylor combined for 23 points.
“The whole week of practice was defense, defense, defense,” Starling said. “Knowing the scouting report and keys to the game and we really did a good job locking in on that.”
🎥 JJ postgame on ACC Network pic.twitter.com/QKlc5JPyId
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) January 8, 2025
The victory gives Adrian Autry’s squad their first victory over a power five program all season, and their first conference win since last March against Louisville.
"We’ve dealt with different things and these guys keep fighting so I was just proud we were able to pull this game out tonight,” Autry added.
Syracuse continues ACC play with a trip to Boston College on Saturday with game time at 3. Our coverage on 88.3 FM and waer.org starts with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 2:30.