Well, things aren’t looking to hot for Syracuse Men’s Basketball (10-13, 4-8 in ACC). SU is fresh off an 83-54 loss to No. 2 Duke on Wednesday. Not only was it their largest loss this season, but it tied the Orange’s worst margin of defeat to the Blue Devils in their matchup history. But that’s enough dwelling on the past because SU has a quick turnaround for its contest against Boston College (10-12, 2-9 in ACC). ‘Cuse took game one of the series 79-71 less than a month ago on the road but SU Head Coach Adrian Autry isn’t taking this one lightly.
“It’s gonna be a battle just like it was in Boston” said Autry. “They’re a physical team and they’re playing really well right now.”
It sure was a battle back in December. Both sides traded blows all night long and the Eagles even held an eight-point lead with less than nine-minutes to go. But a late-game surge by the Orange catapulted them to the win.
Guard JJ Starling poured in 26 points as @Cuse_MBB held off a second half-run to defeat @BCMBB 79-71.@Austin_Barach and @IanNicholasTV had the call from the Conte Forum. pic.twitter.com/rE3ERgSgHN
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 11, 2025
Now fast forward about four weeks later and things are looking grim for both schools. For Syracuse, it’s gone just 2-5 since the win including three double-digit losses.
“This year has not turned out the way that we wanted it to, but we got eight games” said Coach Autry. “I’m still engaged, my guys are still engaged, and we’re gonna finish the season off strong. We can’t live in the past, we gotta live in the now and be prepared for what’s coming up.”
What’s coming up hasn’t impressed many fans this year either. The Eagles have dropped seven of their last eight. Most recently, Boston College is fresh off an 84-58 loss to Louisville on Wednesday. Put it together, both teams are a combined 20-25 with a 6-17 conference record. Looking at wins alone, the SU/BC Frankenstein would be tied with Duke for the most overall wins and would be knotted up at six for conference victories. In an already struggling conference, being bottom-four teams in the standings isn’t the greatest look.
Currently in the ACC, @Cuse_MBB sits 15th in conference standings. @JLeonard1013 is disappointed in how the season's gone, considering how weak the ACC is this year.
— WAER Sports Talk (@WAERSportsTalk) February 6, 2025
☎️315-443-2011
💻https://t.co/AecZ7zc8qR pic.twitter.com/epk2AS0qfK
Looking at Saturday, it could be another hand workout for the scoreboard operator. While neither team has been at all exceptional on offense this season, both possess bottom-four scoring defenses in the ACC, allowing over 75 points per game. But specifically the Orange should have the leg-up offensively. After shooting a season-low four free throws on Wednesday against Duke, SU faces a BC squad that gives up more shots from the line than any other team in the conference.
Gametime is set for 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. Make sure to tune in to WAER’s McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 2:45.