Syracuse men’s basketball (12-5, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) aims for four wins in a row in ACC play when it battles Boston College (7-10, 0-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) in Chestnut Hill tomorrow.
SU comes off of its best offensive performance of the season in Tuesday’s 94-86 win over Florida State. The Orange set season-highs in points (94), three-pointers (11) and field goal percentage (60%). Syracuse also matched the quick pace of Florida State’s attack, outscoring FSU 24-9 on fastbreak points.
11 threes and Donnie Freeman's fifth 20+ point game of the season propelled @Cuse_MBB to a 94-86 win over @FSUHoops.@RyanRandone and @GriffinMarcy1 had the call from the JMA Wireless Dome. pic.twitter.com/jOIns28WK7
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 14, 2026
“For the past two weeks, we’ve really been stressing offense.” SU freshman Kiyan Anthony said. “We realized we could stop people but we couldn’t really convert on the other end.”
Ironically, while defense was a strong suit for the Orange to start out the season, they allowed their most points in a single game this season against the Seminoles. Syracuse also continued one troubling trend in its win streak, surrendering double digit leads late in games. SU led 57-47 before FSU took a three-point lead with 11 minutes to play. Although ‘Cuse did enough to eventually get the job done, head coach Adrian Autry knows the lapses can’t keep happening.
“(I was) disappointed on the defensive side of the basketball.” Autry said. “It’s been like that the last couple of games, even though our offense has improved…We can’t let the defense slip.”
Defense wins championships, but it didn't win @Cuse_MBB the game tonight against @FSUHoops.
— WAER Sports Talk (@WAERSportsTalk) January 14, 2026
Reporter @NickEv610 confirmed that Orange head coach Adrian Autry was visibly upset at the defensive effort.
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But if there’s one player who has excelled on both ends of the court for Syracuse, it’s been forward Donnie Freeman. The sophomore has averaged 23 points per game across ACC play, and scored 25 to go along with eight rebounds and three steals.
“Donnie’s just efficient.” Autry said. “The one thing about him is that he does a good job of getting to his spots, or he can get to the foul line. When you have someone like that, a lot of times it’s just trying to get him the ball and getting him some space.”
And when Donnie can get that space, watch out. Freeman has shot more than 60 percent from the field and nearly 50 percent from deep across the Orange’s three-game win streak.
Syracuse has a chance to keep up the offensive success against a Boston College team that is winless in ACC play. The Eagles average less than 68 points per game and shoot less than 30 percent from downtown, both marks that rank bottom in the conference. SU has also scored at least 75 points in each of their last three meetings with BC, although the most recent matchup was a 95-86 triple overtime marathon back on February 8th, 2025.
Tipoff between the Orange and the Eagles from Conte Forum is set for 2 on Saturday. WAER’s coverage starts with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 1:30.