Syracuse Basketball Faces Uphill Battle After ACC Opener Loss

Men's Basketball: Struggles in ACC Opener

On December 7, 2024, Syracuse men’s basketball team suffered a 69-64 defeat against Notre Dame in their ACC opener. This marked a significant moment for the Orange, who had been struggling throughout their non-conference schedule. With a record of 4-4 prior to this game, Syracuse narrowly escaped several mid-major opponents and faced tough losses against higher-ranked teams, including a 26-point defeat to Tennessee just days earlier.

The game against Notre Dame was particularly notable as it was the first time since 2014 that Syracuse failed to make a three-pointer in a game, finishing 0-for-9 from beyond the arc. This lack of perimeter shooting proved detrimental, especially as they fought to regain momentum during critical moments of the match. Despite briefly leading in the second half, Syracuse could not maintain their advantage and struggled offensively down the stretch.

Key Performers:

- Donnie Freeman led the Orange with 20 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his potential as a key player for the season.

- Jyare Davis contributed significantly with 15 points, highlighting his role in keeping Syracuse competitive despite their shooting woes.

The loss has raised concerns about Syracuse's ability to compete effectively in the ACC, especially given their recent performances and injuries to key players like J.J. Starling, who was sidelined for this game. The team's next challenge awaits as they look to bounce back from this defeat.