Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team suffered a setback on January 20, 2024, losing to the Miami Hurricanes 85-76 at the JMA Wireless Dome. The defeat marks the Orange’s continued struggles, with their record now standing at 12-8 overall and 3-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
From the outset, Syracuse fell behind quickly, trailing just 90 seconds into the match. They managed to tie the game briefly late in the first half but could not maintain momentum against a resilient Miami squad, which improved its record to 16-4 and 5-2 in conference play. The Hurricanes controlled the game, outpacing Syracuse in several key statistical categories.
Offensive Struggles for Syracuse
The Orange faced significant challenges on defense, allowing Miami to shoot an impressive 61.6 percent from the field, including 64.3 percent in the second half. The Hurricanes also excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 7-of-13 attempts from three-point range. Despite forcing 16 turnovers and securing a 13-point advantage in points off turnovers, Syracuse was unable to capitalize on these opportunities. The Hurricanes dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Orange 37-21 and capturing 13 second-chance points.
Syracuse’s shooting percentage hovered just under 50 percent for the game. Even a late surge in which they hit six consecutive shots only trimmed the deficit by five points, as Miami maintained its offensive pressure.
The game began with Miami establishing a commanding presence, launching a 9-0 run that prompted Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry to call a timeout with just under three and a half minutes played. Following the break, Syracuse responded with an 8-2 run, highlighted by two back-to-back three-pointers from Naithan George. However, Miami quickly regained control, pushing their lead to double figures at 20-10.
Key Performers and Highlights
Syracuse fought back, with Kiyan Anthony leading a spirited effort. Anthony scored seven points during a 9-2 run that tied the game at 27 with just over four minutes remaining in the first half. Yet, Miami answered with a quick seven points of their own, closing the half with a 41-36 lead.
The second half saw both teams exchanging scores initially, with Syracuse narrowing the gap to two points early on. However, Miami responded decisively, re-establishing a six-point lead and later extending it to a 13-point advantage midway through the half.
Despite several attempts to close the gap, Syracuse could not mount a significant comeback. The Orange managed to reduce the deficit to eight points on four occasions and seven points with just under two minutes remaining, but Miami’s lead proved insurmountable.
Donnie Freeman emerged as Syracuse’s standout player, contributing 14 points, with ten of those coming in a strong second half. George and Anthony each added 13 points, while Nate Kingz and William Kyle III chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. For Miami, Malik Reneau was a dominant force, leading all scorers with 20 points, along with 11 rebounds and five assists. Teammates Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson both finished with 16 points, while Tru Washington added 14.
As Syracuse looks to regroup, they will need to address their inconsistencies on defense and find a way to build momentum heading into their next matchup. The Orange will continue to seek improvements in their play as they navigate the remainder of the season.
