Donnie Freeman had a standout game, scoring a career-high 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds, helping Syracuse secure its first ACC victory this season with an 82-72 win over Georgia Tech. It was an exciting matchup at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta.
Fellow player Naithan George, a former Yellow Jacket, also made waves, contributing 17 points and five assists. Freshman Kiyan Anthony added 11 points to the mix, showcasing the depth of the Syracuse team.
On the Georgia Tech side, Baye Ndongo led the charge with 20 points, including 14 in the second half. He also pulled down nine rebounds but couldn’t quite close the gap.
The game changed when Georgia Tech narrowed a large Syracuse lead to just five points late in the second half. Freeman then stepped up, making crucial free throws and scoring a slam dunk shortly after, pushing the lead back to eight. Although Akai Fleming hit a three-pointer for the Yellow Jackets, a blocked shot by William Kyle III stalled any comeback efforts, allowing Syracuse to maintain control until the end.
Early 3-Point Surge
Syracuse started strong, quickly taking the lead with star plays, including an alley-oop dunk. Their three-point shooting was sharp, with George, Freeman, and others hitting multiple shots from beyond the arc. This early barrage helped the Orange take an 11-8 advantage.
As the game progressed, Syracuse’s offense rolled, scoring four consecutive three-pointers and extending their lead. By the end of the first half, they were comfortably ahead at 44-30, marking their highest scoring first half of the season.
Second Half Momentum
The second half began with Freeman on fire, scoring 11 points within just minutes. Syracuse quickly moved ahead 56-36. However, Georgia Tech fought back with a strong offensive surge, closing the gap to just five points at 72-67. Yet, Syracuse kept its cool and finished strong from the free-throw line.
Key Takeaways
- Nine Syracuse players contributed to the scoreboard.
- Anthony’s first-half performance marked his eighth game scoring in double digits.
- Freeman set a career-high in blocks during the game, adding to his impressive season.
- George maintained a perfect record from the free-throw line, hitting all 10 attempts.
- The Orange capitalized on their second chances, earning 19 points from offensive rebounds.
In upcoming games, Syracuse will face Pittsburgh on January 10, continuing their efforts in the ACC. As they build on their performance, both players and fans are excited about what’s next for the team.
For further insights into NCAA basketball and more statistics, you can check out NCAA’s official site.
