Syracuse men’s basketball (12-6, 3-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) tries to get back on track against Virginia Tech (14-5, 3-3 ACC) on Wednesday after suffering a 81-73 loss to Boston College (8-10, 1-4 ACC) in overtime on Saturday.
The Orange’s defeat came against an Eagles squad that entered the matchup still searching for their first conference win. Despite leading for the majority of the contest, SU crumbled late and was outscored 17-9 in overtime by BC.
A trip to Chestnut Hill was unsuccessful as @Cuse_MBB fell in overtime to @BCMBB 81-73. @JaredValentin_ and @N_cunning_0 had the call from Conte Forum. pic.twitter.com/LNEOnInKvb
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 17, 2026
After the loss, Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry pointed to defensive focus as a key issue.
“Our level and our attention to detail just wasn’t there,” SU head coach Adrian Autry said after the loss. “Our defensive focus is just not where it needs to be.”
Syracuse allowed Boston College to score its second-most points this season after the Eagles put up more than 80. The Cuse also surrendered a career-high 26 points to BC’s leading scorer, Fred Payne.
Along with an underwhelming defensive performance, the Orange struggled across the board.
SU gave up its second most turnovers this season with 18, and BC capitalized on them, scoring 22 points off the miscues.
The Orange’s offense also suffered from a major lack of bench production. SU only scored two bench points, both of which came from free throws, forcing the starting five to carry the scoring effort against Boston College.
One player who stepped up to the plate for the Cuse was guard Nate Kingz, who led the team with a career-high 27 points against the Eagles. The senior was automatic, shooting 67% from the field and nailing five of six shots from deep.
“I don’t worry about Nate Kingz,” Coach Autry said about the guard. “He puts the work in, he’s a grinder, and he gives you 100% every time he steps up.”
Can't stop, won't stop. @Cuse_MBB's Nate Kingz has been a one-man wrecking crew. @N_cunning_0 depicted the guard's tough finish through contact.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 17, 2026
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/XQecGsxwpC
While the 'Cuse starting five was able step on the gas and put up more than 70 points, SU head coach Adrian Autry stressed the need for balance on both ends of the court.
“We’re kind of trading one for the other,” Autry said of his offense improving while his defense decreased. “We got to get them back both at the same time.”
SU gets its chance to bounce back against Virginia Tech. The Hokies are an even .500 in ACC play after going 3-3 against conference opponents. However, all three of VT’s conference losses have been decided by three points or fewer.
The Hokies also possess the weapon of forward Amani Hansberry. The junior is a top 15 scorer in the ACC, averaging 15 points a game. Hansberry is also a top-rebounder in the conference. Standing at 6-foot-8, the forward pulls down nine a contest.
Syracuse can rebound from its recent loss when it faces Virginia Tech on Wednesday. Tipoff against VT is at 9 p.m. WAER’s coverage begins with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 8:30.