Syracuse basketball is set to return to the court this Thursday night, hosting Saint Joseph’s at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game, which is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. and will be live-streamed via the ACC Network, comes on the heels of a solid victory over #13 Tennessee in the ACC/SEC Challenge, where the Orange showcased their resilience and late-game prowess.
After a week-long break from competition, Syracuse (5-3) is looking to carry the momentum from their most recent win into this matchup. The Orange clinched their success against Tennessee in a nail-biting finish, where senior J.J. Starling played a pivotal role. With the game on the line, Starling hit a critical 3-pointer followed by a contested layup, putting Syracuse ahead with just minutes left on the clock. As the game drew to a close, he assisted senior William Kyle III, who secured a crucial free throw to help clinch a 62-60 victory.
At home, Syracuse has shown remarkable form, boasting an undefeated record of 4-0 at the Dome this season. The team has been explosive offensively, averaging 77.0 points per game while stifling opponents to an average of 55.8 points. Their defense has been equally impressive, limiting opponents to a shooting percentage of just .333 and accumulating an average of over eight blocks and steals per game. The commanding home court presence has allowed them to win by an average margin of 21.3 points.
In terms of contributions from the roster, the scoring load has been well-distributed among players. Starling and senior Nate Kingz are key offensive players, both averaging 10.8 points over the last four games. Kingz’s stellar performance against Tennessee, where he scored 19 points, highlights his capability to step up in crucial moments. Additionally, Kyle III and sophomore Tyler Betsey have averaged 10 points apiece, further supporting the scoring efforts.
On the defensive front, rookie Sadiq White Jr. has made a significant impact, earning a starting role and contributing nearly 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. His defensive presence has been felt as he disrupts passing lanes effectively. Meanwhile, Kyle III has made headlines with his impressive shot-blocking ability, recording 22 blocks so far this season.
Saint Joseph’s (6-3), approaching Thursday’s contest with confidence from a four-game winning streak, presents a formidable challenge for the Orange. The Hawks have recently won tight matches, demonstrated by their narrow victory over Princeton and a thrilling buzzer-beater against Temple. However, they broke their pattern of close games with a commanding 87-65 win over Coppin State.
Central to Saint Joseph’s success has been sophomore Deuce Jones II, who leads the team with an average of 15.6 points per game. Known for his late-game heroics, Jones earned recognition as the Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year during his freshman year at La Salle. His resurgence after a slow start this season is noteworthy, as he has consistently scored higher as the season has progressed.
Defensively, the Hawks are anchored by Justice Ajogbor, who is recognized for his shot-blocking prowess and recently recorded a double-double in their victory against Temple. Additionally, Jaiden Glover-Toscano’s emergence has been significant; he tallied a career-high 25 points against Coppin State, showcasing his offensive capabilities and shooting precision.
As both teams prepare for this engagement, the history of their matchups adds another layer of intrigue. The series stands tied at four wins apiece, with the last meeting occurring in 2007, where Syracuse edged out a victory with a last-second three-pointer.
Fans can purchase tickets for the game and follow live updates via the team’s social media platforms as both teams eye a crucial victory in their respective campaigns.
