Syracuse men’s basketball (14-11, 5-7 ACC) returns to the JMA Wireless Dome today at 2 p.m. to host SMU Mustangs (17-7, 6-6 ACC) as the Orange look to build on the momentum of a double-overtime victory earlier this week.
Syracuse is coming off a 107-100 win over California, its highest-scoring performance in more than three years. The Orange had six players score in double figures, led by senior Nate Kingz with 27 points and senior J.J. Starling with 21. Senior William Kyle III and junior Naithan George each recorded double-doubles in the victory, helping Syracuse dominate inside and close out the win in overtime.
The Orange have been strong at home this season, posting an 11-4 record at the JMA Wireless Dome while winning their last two contests on their home floor. Syracuse continues to rely on balanced scoring and interior defense, ranking among the ACC’s top teams in blocked shots, anchored by Kyle III.
SMU enters the matchup riding back-to-back wins over Pittsburgh and Notre Dame and features one of the ACC’s highest-scoring offenses. Senior Boopie Miller leads the Mustangs at 19.2 points per game, while four additional SMU players average double figures as part of a balanced attack.
This marks the third all-time meeting between the programs, with SMU winning both previous matchups. It will be the Mustangs’ first appearance at the JMA Wireless Dome.
GAME PREVIEW LINKS
- Syracuse men’s basketball: what to watch vs SMU (NunesMagician.com)
- How to watch Syracuse basketball battle SMU at the Dome on Saturday afternoon (InsideTheLoudHouse.com)
- Orange and Mustangs Clash in Saturday Showdown (Cuse.com)
- Syracuse faces a similar, yet tougher challenge to their last game when SMU visits (SI.com)
- Syracuse men’s basketball: predictions vs SMU (NunesMagician.com)
- Beat writers split on whether Syracuse will win 2nd straight game vs. SMU (DailyOrange.com)
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
