After one of the worst defeats in school history, Syracuse had a chance to quickly wipe that game from their memory, as the 16th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels made the trip up to the Dome with their best player, Caleb Wilson, out with an injury.
This was a game that many thought would be winnable, but the Orange dropped the ball, making only three triples in the game, and emotions boiled over late in a 77-64 defeat.
Here are some takeaways:
Orange can’t guard centers
When up against a center who stands
at seven feet or taller, Syracuse struggles mightily to prevent the opponent from scoring points in the paint.
On Saturday, Syracuse surrendered 42 points in the paint and 19 points to center Henri Veesaar, who was questionable coming into the matchup.
Veesaar’s height provided a mismatch for Syracuse, and no matter how hard William Kyle played and how much effort he gave, it didn’t matter because when he was out of the game, they could not defend the paint.
This has been a problem for Syracuse throughout its entire conference slate, and the game against the Tar Heels really showed how much of an issue it is for this team.
Donnie Freeman handcuffs the team’s potential
Even though Donnie Freeman is one of the most gifted offensive players the Orange have, his skill set hasn’t seamlessly translated into overall team success.
That disconnect was evident again Saturday, when Freeman missed several crucial shots midway through the second half as the Orange tried to stay within striking distance. But the concern extends beyond a few missed attempts.
Freeman’s defensive limitations and his tendency to force offense rather than create for others make it challenging to construct cohesive lineups around him.
On a day when he finished with zero assists, the lack of playmaking only underscored a broader issue: for all his scoring ability, he has yet to consistently elevate the team’s collective rhythm and flow.
The Syracuse faithful will always support the Orange
My last takeaway comes from off the court. The Syracuse faithful will always support the Orange, no matter the circumstances or the record.
On Saturday, more than 23,000 fans packed the JMA Wireless Dome to back Syracuse Orange men’s basketball, a testament to the program’s enduring bond with its community.
Even during challenging stretches, the energy inside the Dome never wavers.
The crowd’s presence is more than just a number; it’s a statement that Syracuse basketball remains woven into the fabric of the city.
Through highs and lows, that unwavering loyalty remains one of the program’s greatest strengths.
What are your takeaways from the game?
