For the first time in 3 years, @Cuse_MBB picked up an ACC tournament win, 66-62 over @FSUHoops. @AndrewSelover and @IanNicholasTV had the call of SU's opening round victory. pic.twitter.com/HS7fa66kB8
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) March 12, 2025
Historically, the ACC tournament hasn’t been kind to Syracuse men’s basketball. Entering its first round matchup against the 12th-seeded Florida State, the 14th-seeded ‘Cuse was in search of its first postseason win since 2022. While it wasn’t pretty, the Orange prevailed in a 66-62 victory over the Seminoles.
With 13 minutes to go in the second half, it seemed like SU was in cruise control with a 50-34 lead. But one six-minute scoring drought later saw FSU whittle that lead down to 50-44.
It’s a scenario that’s been all too familiar for the ‘Cuse as of late. Before its regular season finale win versus Virginia last Saturday, Syracuse had blown double-digit leads in the second half in three straight games. So, what helped the Orange hold on? SU head coach Adrian Autry’s answer was simple.
“Today was the first time our offense didn’t affect our defense,” Coach Autry said. “We were aggressive and did a good job of settling in.”
One area where SU’s defense shined was from behind the arc. The Orange held the Seminoles to 2-14 on three-pointers, the fewest Syracuse has allowed to an opponent all season.
Although the ‘Cuse had its struggles on offense, there was one player who stood above the rest. Guard JJ Starling went off for 27 points (19 in the second half) while shooting over 50 percent from the field. The performance marked the junior’s highest scoring output in ACC play since February 8th against Boston College.
“We built the lead by getting the ball in the post, but Florida State took it away,” Coach Autry said. “It had to go back to JJ.”
SU guard JJ Starling popped off down the stretch, but that's only gonna be tougher in the later rounds of the ACC tournament.
— WAER Sports Talk (@WAERSportsTalk) March 12, 2025
Our host @JonahWeintraub is concerned if it's enough.
💻:https://t.co/mMW7eWjesm
📞: 315-443-2011 pic.twitter.com/rONNs0QueY
It wasn’t just Starling that starred for the Orange, however. Syracuse’s offense was also bolstered by 14-point performances from center Eddie Lampkin Jr. and forward Jyáre Davis. The trio combined for 55 of SU’s 66 points, and Coach Autry credited his starters for keeping his team afloat.
“Today, those guys had a good rhythm.” Coach Autry said.
Syracuse plays in the second round of the ACC tournament tonight against 6th-seeded SMU. The Orange fell to the Mustangs 77-75 in the teams’ regular season matchup a week ago. Gametime is set for 9:30. WAER has all the coverage beginning with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 9:00.