Entering the night, Syracuse men’s basketball had already clinched a spot in next week’s ACC Tournament. What it didn’t know was what seed it would be and who it would be playing. But by tipoff, both those things would be decided. At the conclusion of the 4OT game between California and Notre Dame, the 112-110 Irish win locked the Orange into the 14 seed no matter the outcome of their game. Once the other tilts all went final, SU’s opponent was revealed to be Florida State as the 11 seed. With a spot clinched and an opponent set, Syracuse’s battle against Virginia meant absolutely nothing except for pride. In a season dubbed with criticism and frustration, pride was all the Orange needed to play for and it showed during their 84-70 win over Virginia.
The @Cuse_MBB offense was unstoppable in its 84-70 win over @UVAMensHoops.@swilkes04 and @AndrewSelover had the call for SU's victory to close out the regular season. pic.twitter.com/mNrp9WjAQ5
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) March 9, 2025
The game turned into a blowout rather quickly. Syracuse never trailed and jumped out to a 19-10 lead midway through the first half. SU held UVA to just 26 points in the opening 20 minutes, something that Orange head coach Adrian Autry was ecstatic about.
"The first half is probably the best half we've played defensively all year," said Autry.
On the offensive side, 84 regulation points is tied for the fifth most in a game this season for Syracuse. The output on that end was sparked by Center Eddie Lampkin Jr. The senior tallied 25 points (14 in the first half) and 10 rebounds to lead the Orange in both statistical categories.
"He's one of the best big men in our league," Autry said.
Lampkin posted his 14th double-double of the season, the most for an Orange player in the regular season since Rick Jackson in 2010-11 (17).
Next up for 14th seeded Syracuse is the first round of the ACC Tournament Tuesday night against 11th seeded Florida State. Earlier this year, the Orange and the Seminoles met in Tallahassee for a tilt that ended in a 90-74 ‘Noles win.
After @Cuse_MBB's 84-70 win over @UVAMensHoops, @alexremoll believes the victory is a positive sign going into the ACC tournament on Tuesday.
— WAER Sports Talk (@WAERSportsTalk) March 9, 2025
On the other hand @adam_gotkin thinks SU does not know what momentum is.
📞315-443-2011
📱315-556-3929 pic.twitter.com/OWj9OcMdMs
The winner of that contest preserves its season at least one more day and will match up against 6th seeded SMU. Gametime between Syracuse and Florida State is set for Tuesday night at 7. WAER’s coverage begins at 6:30 with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff. You can listen in at 88.3 FM and at waer.org.