Syracuse men’s basketball’s (13-9, 4-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) season was in free fall ahead of its matchup with Notre Dame (11-11, 2-7 ACC) Saturday night. After a 3-1 start to ACC play, the Orange lost their next four before they hosted the Fighting Irish. It was clear early on that Saturday would be played to a different tune.
After four straight losses, @Cuse_MBB returned to the win column in big fashion with an 86-72 win over @NDmbb.@Dellie_5 and @GiffMD had the call from the JMA Wireless Dome. pic.twitter.com/RqMVcsb9C4
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) February 1, 2026
Even before tipoff, Syracuse had already made a statement. Head Coach Adrian Autry left SU leading-scorer Donnie Freeman out of the starting lineup. With the sophomore playing fewer minutes, the Orange needed more production elsewhere, and they got it from their guard tandem of Nate Kingz and JJ Starling.
In the first half, it was the Starling show. The senior was a man on a mission against his former team. After shooting 2-11 combined from three-point land in the four games prior, Starling hit all three of his attempts from downtown in just ten minutes.
Someone might want to make sure the Syracuse Fire Department is on duty, because Orange guard JJ Starling is on a heater.@Dellie_5 detailed the senior's second three of the first half.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 31, 2026
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/KZjWb6YVcw
By the end of the half, Starling led all scorers with 17 points on a perfect 7-7 shooting from the field. Syracuse led 40-31 at the break.
“We all know JJ,...he can score in bunches,” Autry said postgame. “His leadership in practice and his attitude…really set the tone.”
While Starling cooled off in the second half, Nate Kingz caught fire. After knocking down a pair of triples in the first 20 minutes, the floodgates opened for the senior, and it was apparent from the start.
Someone might want to make sure the Syracuse Fire Department is on duty, because Orange guard JJ Starling is on a heater.@Dellie_5 detailed the senior's second three of the first half.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 31, 2026
📻@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/KZjWb6YVcw
“I think the ball moved more and he saw a couple go down,” Autry said. “As a team, we talked about finding guys like him and Tyler [Betsey] because those guys shoot at an elite level.”
Kingz finished with 22 points in the second half for a grand total of 28, and Starling had 21, both reaching season-high marks with their respective performances. Although the Irish cut the lead to 6, the Orange’s hot start was all the insurance they needed.
Syracuse is now 10th in the ACC with a 4-5 conference record. Notre Dame, meanwhile sits in 15th at 2-7.
Now back in the win column, Kingz, Starling and the Orange have a quick turnaround. SU travels to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina on Monday at 7. WAER coverage begins with McClurg Remodeling countdown to tipoff at 6:30.