Syracuse basketball is gearing up for a crucial road trip as they face off against Wake Forest this Saturday evening. Both teams are looking to bounce back after dropping their last two games, setting the stage for a competitive clash in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The Orange have had a tough stretch, suffering significant defeats to powerhouses Duke and North Carolina. With their chances of an at-large bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament dwindling, whispers of potential coaching changes loom over Syracuse as the season winds down.
Currently, Syracuse sits at 15-13 overall and 6-9 in the ACC, just a game ahead of Wake Forest, who holds a 14-14 overall record and 5-10 in conference play. As the ACC Tournament approaches, both teams are jockeying for position, with Syracuse expected to qualify for the event in Charlotte, N.C., from March 10 to March 14.
Fans can catch the action between the Orange and the Demon Deacons at 5:45 pm EST on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game will be broadcast on The CW Network, live from the LJVM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Historically, Syracuse has fared well against Wake Forest, boasting an 11-5 record in their all-time series. However, the Demon Deacons have won the last three matchups, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this encounter.
In terms of rankings, Syracuse holds an NCAA NET ranking of No. 78, while Wake Forest is slightly ahead at No. 68. This matchup offers a valuable quadrant-one opportunity for Syracuse, who has secured just one such victory this season, compared to none for Wake Forest.
According to KenPom, Syracuse is ranked No. 76 overall, with Wake Forest close behind at No. 80.
The Demon Deacons are averaging 78.8 points per game, allowing 76.9, and are shooting 44.8 percent from the field. They also boast solid free-throw and three-point shooting percentages at 76.5 and 33.8, respectively.
Syracuse, on the other hand, is averaging 75.6 points per game while giving up 73.4. The Orange are shooting 46.9 percent from the field but have struggled from the free-throw line at 63.4 percent. Their defense has been a concern, especially in ACC play, and they’ll need to tighten up to contend with Wake Forest's offensive threats.
A key player to watch is Wake Forest's sophomore guard, Juke Harris, who is lighting up the scoreboard with 21.7 points per game, ranking third in the league. Harris is a versatile scorer, shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from beyond the arc. Syracuse will need to find a way to contain him to improve their chances of success.
As both teams vie for a critical win, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest with significant implications for their postseason aspirations.