Syracuse men’s basketball (5-3) continues its homestand this afternoon when it hosts Hofstra (7-4) at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m., with the game airing on the ACC Network.
The Orange are back on the floor after a quick turnaround from Thursday’s win over Saint Joseph’s, while Hofstra arrives in Central New York carrying momentum from a productive week that included an impressive road victory at Pittsburgh.
Syracuse leaned on balance and defense in its most recent outing, pulling away from Saint Joseph’s with a strong second-half performance. William Kyle III posted his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyler Betsey matched a career high with 16 points to pace the offense. Nate Kingz, J.J. Starling and Naithan George also made key contributions as the Orange limited the Hawks to their lowest shooting percentage of the season.
Defense has been a constant for Syracuse, which enters the matchup allowing just 64.4 points per game and holding opponents under 40 percent shooting from the field. Kyle III anchors the effort in the paint with a team-high 26 blocks.
Hofstra has emerged as one of the hotter mid-major teams in the region, winning five of its last six games while tightening up defensively. Junior Cruz Davis leads the Pride, highlighted by a career-high 36-point performance at Pitt last week
Syracuse has won all three previous meetings between the programs, most recently in 2006, and will look to stay unbeaten at home this season.
GAME PREVIEW LINKS
- Syracuse Hosts Hofstra Saturday (Cuse.com)
- Syracuse gets little rest before Hofstra visits on Saturday (SI.com)
- SU men’s basketball faces quick turnaround, set to host Hofstra on Saturday (CNYCentral.com)
- Pride Takes On Syracuse As Hofstra Seeks Another ACC Win (GoHofstra.com)
- Syracuse and Hofstra meet in cross-conference game (APNews.com)
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
When taking everything into consideration, @gioheater is not worried at all following last night's close win over St. Joseph. pic.twitter.com/3dXcFGScJu
— Cuse Sports Talk (@CuseSportsTalk_) December 12, 2025
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
