The Syracuse Orange got back into the win column, but their 14-point victory over Division II Mercyhurst didn’t exactly inspire confidence - or match expectations. They led for all but 19 seconds, yet never quite slammed the door shut. This one had the feel of a game where Syracuse was in control, but never fully convincing.
Let’s break down what happened inside the JMA Wireless Dome and what it tells us about where this Orange team stands right now.
Syracuse Struggled to Create Separation
This was a game of fits and starts - Syracuse would make a push, then immediately give ground. There were flashes of dominance, like the 11-0 run midway through the first half that gave them a 28-14 lead. But every time it looked like they might blow it open, Mercyhurst found a way to keep it respectable.
That theme carried into the second half. Syracuse entered the locker room up 16, but never found the defensive intensity to put the Lakers away.
Mercyhurst, to their credit, adjusted and came out shooting 48% in the second half after hitting just 32% before the break. Syracuse’s own offense improved - they shot 15% better after halftime - but that wasn’t enough to widen the gap.
Turnovers were part of the problem. Syracuse coughed it up 16 times, and while many of Mercyhurst’s 15 turnovers were dead-ball situations, the Orange gave up several momentum-killing possessions. Combine that with a 4-for-17 night from beyond the arc, and it’s easy to see why this game never turned into the rout it could’ve been.
Mixed Bag from the Guard Trio
With Donnie Freeman - the team’s top scorer - still out, Syracuse needed its backcourt to step up. The good news?
All three of their high-usage guards hit double figures. The not-so-good?
The performances were uneven.
JJ Starling came out red-hot, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the first five minutes. He finished 6-of-9 from the field and looked in rhythm early, but his scoring tapered off as the game wore on.
Kiyan Anthony gave the Orange a solid punch off the bench, leading all non-starters with 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting. He continues to show flashes of scoring ability, especially when the offense needs a jolt.
Naithan George also tallied 12 points and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line - a much-needed boost given Syracuse’s season-long struggles at the stripe. But he also turned the ball over six times, compared to just four assists. That kind of decision-making won’t cut it once ACC play ramps up.
If Syracuse is going to stay competitive in conference play, this trio will need to be sharper - not just scoring, but valuing possessions and controlling tempo.
William Kyle is Making a Case as the Team’s Most Impactful Player
Donnie Freeman might be the MVP, but William Kyle III is making a strong case as Syracuse’s MIP - Most Impactful Player.
Kyle was everywhere. He matched Starling with 15 points on an ultra-efficient 7-of-8 shooting, pulled down 10 boards (including four on the offensive glass), and swatted five shots. His presence around the rim changes how opponents attack, and his ability to finish lobs or clean up misses gives the Orange a reliable interior threat.
It’s not just what Kyle brings statistically - it’s the energy and consistency. From the start of the season to now, he’s been a steady force on both ends. His rim protection and hustle are becoming foundational to how this team competes.
Finally, Some Encouraging Signs at the Free Throw Line
Let’s be honest - Syracuse’s free throw shooting has been brutal this season. Coming into this game, they were dead last in the country. But against Mercyhurst, they finally showed some life, going 12-for-16 (75%) from the line - their best percentage of the year, and only the second time they’ve cracked 70%.
George led the way with a perfect 5-for-5 night, and five other players got to the line at least twice. While most of them split their attempts, it was still a significant step forward for a team that’s left way too many points at the stripe.
If the Orange can continue trending in the right direction here, it’ll make a real difference in close games down the line.
Bottom Line
A win is a win, but this one left plenty to chew on. Syracuse showed flashes of what they can be - a balanced scoring team with a legitimate rim protector and capable backcourt. But they also showed the kind of inconsistency that could be costly in the ACC.
They’ll take the W, but there’s still work to do.