After a week off, Syracuse men’s basketball (5–3, 0–0 Atlantic Coast Conference) returns to action in the JMA Wireless Dome on Thursday at 9 p.m. to host Saint Joseph’s (6–3, 0–0 Atlantic 10). The Orange enter off their biggest win of the season, a 62–60 victory over No. 13 Tennessee in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
“To be able to come away with a win like this, and being close last week, it definitely helps their confidence,” head coach Adrian Autry said.
After a winless trip in Vegas, @Cuse_MBB returns to the Dome and takes down No. 13 @Vol_Hoops, 62-60.@SamuelReisTV and @BurgessLuke03 had the call for SU's second ranked victory in the Adrian Autry era. pic.twitter.com/dzjh652kcE
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) December 3, 2025
Senior guard JJ Starling led the way in the second half, knocking down a go-ahead 3-pointer before finishing a contested layup to give Syracuse a 60–56 lead. Autry praised his poise, saying, “To be able to stick with it shows tremendous leadership.”
Syracuse carries a 4–0 home record into Thursday’s matchup, due in large part to its defensive consistency. The Orange are holding opponents to 56 points per game in the Dome, outscoring visitors by an average of 21 points.
“I think this team has speed, athleticism and aggression,” Autry said. “Our defense is going to be a big part of what we’re going to be even when our offense is not going well.”
"So excited for our guys"@CoachRedAutry pic.twitter.com/tEJHQoeKJq
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) December 3, 2025
A major contributor to that defensive effort is senior forward William Kyle III, who has recorded 22 blocks this season, including six against Tennessee. Freshman forward Sadiq White Jr. has also earned a steady role in the starting lineup, averaging nine points and 4.5 rebounds.
Saint Joseph’s arrives in Syracuse riding a four-game winning streak. Sophomore guard Deuce Jones leads the Hawks with 16 points per game after transferring from La Salle, where he was the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. In the frontcourt, center Justice Ajogbor anchors the defense and has tallied 16 blocks this season.
Under first-year head coach Steve Donahue, the Hawks lead Division I in free-throw percentage at 81 percent. Donahue spent the previous nine seasons as the head coach at Penn.
The all-time series is tied 4–4, with Thursday marking the teams’ first meeting since 2007.
Coverage begins on 88.3 FM and waer.org with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET.