Syracuse men’s basketball (11-5, 2-1 ACC) returns home tonight at 9 p.m. to host Florida State (7-9, 0-3 ACC) at the JMA Wireless Dome as ACC play continues.
The Orange enter the matchup playing their best basketball of the season, scoring 80-plus points in consecutive conference wins. Syracuse most recently defeated Pittsburgh Panthers 83-72, shooting an efficient 55.8 percent from the field and knocking down a season-high 10 3-pointers. Through three ACC games, Syracuse is shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc, the third-best mark in the conference.
Sophomore Donnie Freeman has sparked the offensive surge, averaging 22.3 points per game since returning from injury and scoring 22 points against Pittsburgh. Junior Naithan George leads the Orange with 82 assists and has averaged 15.2 points over his last five games, while senior William Kyle III adds interior presence with 32 dunks on the season.
Syracuse has paired its offensive efficiency with strong defense, allowing just 65.7 points per game, the second-lowest average in the ACC. Opponents are shooting 39.9 percent from the field, and ACC foes have managed just 21.7 percent from 3-point range over the last three games. Kyle III anchors the defense with 46 blocks and a team-high 124 rebounds.
Florida State arrives still seeking its first ACC win after losses to North Carolina, Duke, and NC State. The Seminoles average 82.9 points per game and rank among the national leaders in 3-point attempts, with Kobe Magee pacing the team with 37 makes.
This marks the 20th all-time meeting between the programs, with Syracuse holding an 11-8 series advantage.
GAME PREVIEW LINKS
- Orange Return Home for Tuesday Matchup with Florida State (Cuse.com)
- How to watch Syracuse basketball face Florida State on Tuesday at the Dome (InsideTheLoudHouse.com)
- Adrian Autry talks zone defense and his newest player before facing Florida St. (SI.com)
- Beat writers predict Syracuse wins 3rd straight, denies Florida State 1st ACC win (DailyOrange.com)
- Syracuse men’s basketball: defense remains the Orange’s calling card (NunesMagician.com)
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].