Syracuse men’s basketball leaned on its veterans at the right time Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing streak with an 86-72 victory over Notre Dame at the JMA Wireless Dome.
J.J. Starling delivered his best performance of the season, scoring a season-high 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting. The senior guard poured in 17 points in the first half, carrying the Orange offensively and helping Syracuse build a steady cushion. Nate Kingz was even more productive, finishing with a game-high 28 points and knocking down timely shots throughout, including a late two-handed dunk and and-one that sealed the outcome.
The win improved Syracuse to 13-9 overall and 4-5 in ACC play, while Notre Dame fell to 11-11 and 2-7 in the league. The Orange took control early with an 11-0 first-half run and never trailed again. Syracuse shot 57% from the field, limited Notre Dame to 27% from three-point range and committed just six turnovers, tied for its fourth-fewest in a game this season.
Starling and Kingz combined for eight made three-pointers, while center William Kyle III added 10 points and eight rebounds. Point guard Naithan George played a key role as well, dishing out 10 assists without a turnover.
GAME RECAP LINKS
- Kingz, Starling combine for 49 as Syracuse beats Notre Dame 86-72 (DailyOrange.com)
- Kingz Pours in 28 Points as Syracuse Tops Notre Dame (Cuse.com)
- Syracuse 86, Notre Dame 72: Orange end four-game slide (NunesMagician.com)
- Syracuse halts 4-game losing streak with win over Notre Dame (Syracuse.com)
- Observations from SU’s 86-72 win vs. ND: Freeman off bench, 1st half ‘kill’ (DailyOrange.com)
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
ADRIAN AUTRY’S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
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Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].