Syracuse men’s basketball (9-4) opens ACC play this afternoon when it hosts Clemson (10-3) at the JMA Wireless Dome. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, marking the first conference test for an Orange team that closed non-conference play with momentum.
Syracuse wrapped up its December slate with a convincing 77-48 win over Stonehill last week, improving to 9-4 overall and 8-1 at home. Defense set the tone throughout non-conference action, as the Orange limited opponents to 64.8 points per game, including a dominant six-game homestand highlighted by a victory over then-No. 13 Tennessee.
With leading scorer Donnie Freeman sidelined for much of the non-conference schedule, Syracuse has leaned on balance across the lineup. Senior William Kyle III has anchored the defense, ranking second nationally with 43 blocks while also averaging 10.5 points per game. J.J. Starling has provided steady scoring since returning from injury, averaging 12.4 points and coming off a 20-point outing against Stonehill. Junior Naithan George enters ACC play after back-to-back 22-point performances, while Nate Kingz, Kiyan Anthony and Sadiq White Jr. have all played key roles during the home stretch.
Clemson arrives in Central New York riding a three-game win streak after defeating South Carolina, Cincinnati and Mercer last week. The Tigers have tested themselves against a challenging non-conference schedule and rank among the nation’s stronger defensive teams, allowing just 65.8 points per game.
Syracuse is 6-11 all-time against Clemson and dropped last year’s meeting.
GAME PREVIEW LINKS
- Orange Open ACC Play with Clemson on New Year’s Eve (Cuse.com)
- What to know before Syracuse’s ACC opener against Clemson (DailyOrange.com)
- How to watch Syracuse basketball host Clemson on New Year’s Eve in the ACC opener (InsideTheLoudHouse.com)
- SU confirms Donnie Freeman will return from 9-game absence vs. Clemson (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse begins its ‘lucky’ 13th ACC season Wednesday looking to exceed expectations (SI.com)
- Beat writers split on Syracuse’s chances to upset Clemson in ACC opener (DailyOrange.com)
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Sights set on ACC play 🔒 pic.twitter.com/xXdQUtB0ep
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) December 29, 2025
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
