Syracuse men’s basketball fell to Miami, 85-76, on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome, dropping its third consecutive game and slipping to 12-8 overall and 3-4 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Miami improved to 16-4 overall and 5-2 in the ACC.
The Orange struggled defensively and from the perimeter, finishing the game at 29% shooting from three-point range while allowing 44 second-half points. Miami seized early control with a 9-0 run to open the game and never trailed, despite several Syracuse rallies that briefly tightened the margin.
Syracuse closed the first half strong, using improved defensive pressure and transition scoring to pull within 41-36 at the break. Kiyan Anthony provided a spark late in the half, helping the Orange erase a double-digit deficit and briefly tie the game. Miami responded with a late run to regain momentum before halftime.
The Hurricanes pulled away in the second half behind efficient offense and timely defensive stops. With Syracuse trailing 50-48 midway through the period, Miami capitalized on consecutive transition opportunities to swing momentum and extend the lead to double digits. The Orange were unable to recover, as Miami maintained its advantage through consistent interior scoring and second-chance points.
Malik Reneau led Miami with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson added 16 points apiece. Donnie Freeman paced Syracuse with 14 points, while Anthony and Naithan George each finished with 13.
Syracuse was outscored for the 10th time this season in the second half and now sits below .500 in conference play entering late January.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Syracuse Bested by Miami at Home (Cuse.com)
- Syracuse drops 3rd straight in 85-76 home loss vs. Miami (DailyOrange.com)
- Miami 85, Syracuse 76: Hurricanes wreak havoc on Orange (NunesMagician.com)
- Miami’s offense too much for Syracuse as Orange drops 3rd straight (Syracuse.com)
- Observations from SU’s loss to Miami: Sticking with depth, mounting pressure (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
ADRIAN AUTRY’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Final from the Dome pic.twitter.com/jQYkcrsbDU
— Syracuse Men’s Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) January 24, 2026
Looking forward to the next head coach search in a couple months …. Syracuse basketball. Really wanted Red to be the guy, but it's clear he isn't.
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) January 24, 2026
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
