Syracuse men’s basketball suffered its first home loss of the season on Saturday, dropping a 70-69 decision to Hofstra at the JMA Wireless Dome in a game defined by a no-call in the closing seconds.
Trailing by one in the final moments, the Orange appeared to have a chance to reclaim the lead when Kiyan Anthony drove to the rim and had his arm grabbed on a shot attempt. No foul was called, and Hofstra escaped after inbounding the ball.
Playing without Donnie Freeman for a sixth straight game due to a right leg injury, Syracuse (5-4) struggled to assert itself defensively. Hofstra (8-4) shot 49 percent from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers, repeatedly answering Syracuse runs with timely perimeter shooting. The Orange finished 26-of-57 overall and 8-of-23 from deep.
The first half featured tight back-and-forth play. JJ Starling paced Syracuse early, while contributions off the bench helped the Orange take a slim lead late in the half. Hofstra countered with timely shooting, but Syracuse carried a 37-36 advantage into the break.
Syracuse briefly extended the lead early in the second half, but momentum swung after a technical foul and a stretch of turnovers. Hofstra capitalized with second-chance points and back-to-back threes to build separation.
Despite a late rally that briefly put the Orange ahead inside the final minute, Hofstra’s outside shooting and execution down the stretch proved decisive, sending the Pride out of the Dome with their second win over an ACC opponent this season.
Starling led a balanced Syracuse attack with 15 points, while Kyle (13), White (12), Anthony (12), and Nate Kingz (12) also scored in double figures. Hofstra’s Cruz Davis paced all scorers with 22 points and nine assists.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse comeback falls short in 70-69 upset loss to Hofstra (DailyOrange.com)
- Orange Fall Late to Hofstra, 70-69 (Cuse.com)
- Hofstra 70, Syracuse 69: Orange outdone by hot-shooting Pride (NunesMagician.com)
- Syracuse basketball upset by Hofstra after critical calls late (Syracuse.com)
- Observations from SU’s loss vs. Hofstra: Starling’s strong start, PG problems (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
ADRIAN AUTRY’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].