Donnie Freeman made a strong return to the court, scoring 18 points in the last 12 minutes, but Syracuse fell short against Clemson, losing 64-61 at the JMA Wireless Dome. This marked Freeman’s first game back after missing nine games due to injury.
Freeman not only led the Syracuse offense but also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds. Junior Naithan George added 10 points and six assists, while Tyler Betsey and freshman Kiyan Anthony scored eight and seven points, respectively. For Clemson, RJ Godfrey and Dillon Hunter were the top scorers, contributing 14 and 10 points.
Clemson started strong, racing to a 12-3 lead in the opening minutes. They went on a quick 10-point run, giving them an early advantage. Syracuse responded with Betsey’s 3-pointer, along with a series of free throws that kept them in the game.
As the first half progressed, Syracuse fought back. Trailing 23-15, Nate Kingz hit a deep 3-pointer, sparking an 11-2 run for the Orange. They managed to take a brief lead at 26-25 before heading into halftime down 29-28.
Clemson resumed strong in the second half, extending their lead to 43-33. However, Syracuse answered back with a comeback led by Freeman’s six points. Despite this, Clemson maintained their lead by hitting key shots.
Freeman’s effort in the final moments brought Syracuse close, narrowing it to 63-61. Yet, a last-second 3-point attempt fell short, sealing the win for Clemson.
A few key stats stand out from the game:
– Syracuse shot an impressive 83.3% from the free-throw line, its best performance of the season.
– All nine players who took the court for Syracuse contributed to the scoreboard.
– The Orange’s bench significantly outperformed Clemson’s, scoring 36 points compared to Clemson’s 18.
This game is part of a broader context where Syracuse continues to deepen its roster after injuries. Freeman’s return is pivotal as the team gears up for upcoming challenges, including a road game against Georgia Tech. This matchup will be crucial for Syracuse as they strive to improve their conference record.
Syracuse fans are eager to see how the team capitalizes on Freeman’s comeback and integrates their talents moving forward. Keep an eye on this developing story as the season continues.
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