Syracuse’s third season under Adrian Autry is winding down, and it hasn't been the smoothest ride. With three games left before the Orange head to Charlotte for the ACC Tournament, they find themselves needing a strong finish to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The team recently missed key opportunities against Duke and North Carolina, two Quad 1 matchups that could have shifted their trajectory. "We haven’t made the plays that we needed to make," Autry admitted. "The plays in the margin have been the difference in our season."
Next up, Syracuse faces Wake Forest on the road. The Demon Deacons are in a similar position, battling for seeding and having already secured impressive home wins against Virginia Tech and Clemson.
Series Snapshot
Syracuse leads the all-time series 11-5.
Last Meeting Recap
The last clash with Wake Forest was on New Year’s Eve 2024, where Syracuse fell at home. Despite a combined 46 points from guards Kyle Cuffe Jr., Lucas Taylor, and Jaquan Carlos, the Orange couldn't overcome the contributions of Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Donnie Freeman. A cold second half from beyond the arc, hitting just 1-of-10, sealed their fate as Hunter Sallis led Wake Forest with 23 points.
KenPom Odds
Syracuse has a 36% chance of victory with a projected score of 74-78.
Wake Forest Overview
Under Steve Forbes, the Demon Deacons are struggling this season after back-to-back 20-win campaigns. They’re 0-10 in Quad 1 games, slightly trailing Syracuse’s 2-8 record. Their top win came against Florida State, with other solid performances against West Virginia and several ACC teams.
The team has seen some roster changes, with Juke Harris, Myles Colvin, and Tre’Von Spillers stepping up. Harris, in particular, has been a standout, averaging 21.1 points per game with an impressive Offensive Bayesian Performance Rating of 3.92. Nate Calmese is also a key contributor with a 3.42 rating.
Defensively, Wake Forest allows 77.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the ACC, but they struggle on the boards, sitting last in total rebounds.
Keys to Victory for Syracuse
Syracuse must overcome its road challenges, with a 2-5 record away from home this season. Exploiting Wake Forest’s weakness against 2-pointers is crucial, especially after a tough shooting performance against North Carolina. If Syracuse can dominate inside the arc, they might break their road curse.
Stat to Know: 48.4%, 2.8
Donnie Freeman has faced difficulties during Syracuse’s recent tough stretch. Over the last three games, he’s shooting 48.4% and averaging 2.8 fouls per game.
His frustration was evident against North Carolina, where he was ejected after a second technical foul. Despite these struggles, Freeman averages 16.7 points and seven rebounds, numbers he’ll need to replicate against Wake Forest.
Player to Watch: Juke Harris, Guard, No. 2
In his second year, Juke Harris has become a force, scoring 25 points or more in 10 games this season. A former four-star recruit, Harris uses his 6-foot-7 frame effectively, creating mismatches and excelling in rebounds. Syracuse’s Nate Kingz will have the tough task of containing one of the ACC’s top guards.