Syracuse Looks to Snap ACC Slide Against Resurgent Cal Team
The struggles are piling up for Syracuse in Adrian Autry’s third season at the helm. Saturday’s loss to Virginia wasn’t just another mark in the “L” column-it was the sixth in the last seven games for the Orange, a stretch that’s tested the patience of fans and highlighted the inconsistency plaguing the program.
And while the headlines focused on the benching of freshman guard Kiyan Anthony, the bigger story is the trajectory of a team that’s still searching for answers in a brutal Atlantic Coast Conference slate. Whether Anthony played or not, Syracuse was outmatched by a disciplined Virginia squad. The decision to sit him, though, underscores the urgency-and uncertainty-surrounding the Orange right now.
But the season isn’t over, and there’s still time to right the ship. That starts Wednesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome, where Syracuse hosts a California team that’s trending in the opposite direction. The Golden Bears have won four of their last six and are quietly building momentum in head coach Mark Madsen’s third year.
Let’s break down what Syracuse is up against and what it’ll take to get back in the win column.
Series Snapshot
Syracuse holds a 4-1 edge in the all-time series against Cal. The last meeting came just over a year ago, when the Orange made their first-ever trip to Berkeley and walked away with a 75-66 win. That game was a bright spot in an otherwise rocky stretch, snapping a three-game skid and salvaging a tough West Coast road trip.
It was a backcourt battle that night. J.J.
Starling poured in 18 points on 18 shots, while Lucas Taylor had a breakout performance with 19-his best in an Orange uniform. Cal was without leading scorer Andrej Stojakovic, but guards Jeremiah Wilkinson and Jovan Blacksher Jr. still combined for 40 points.
Syracuse built a 17-point halftime lead, and while Cal pushed late, the Orange held on.
That momentum didn’t last. Four days later, Syracuse got steamrolled by Duke, losing by 29.
What the Numbers Say
According to KenPom, Syracuse enters with a 60% chance to win, with a projected final score of 74-71. That’s a slight edge, but nothing close to a sure thing-especially given how both teams have been trending.
Scouting the Golden Bears
Mark Madsen inherited a mess when he took over a Cal team that went 3-29 in 2022-23. But the former NBA forward has done more than just stabilize the program-he’s quietly rebuilt it. The Bears won 13 games in his first year, 14 in his second, and now sit at 17 wins with seven regular-season games still to go.
They’re not a lock for the NCAA Tournament just yet, but they’re in the conversation. Joe Lunardi currently has them slotted as a 13-seed. To make that projection a reality, Cal will need to finish strong in ACC play and make some noise in the conference tournament.
Their resume includes a signature win over North Carolina at home, plus solid victories over UCLA and Miami. The Bears did just take a 22-point loss to Clemson, but overall, they’ve exceeded expectations.
This is a team that’s leaned heavily on the transfer portal to find its identity. They brought in Dai Dai Ames from Virginia, Justin Pippen (yes, Scottie’s son) from Michigan, John Camden from Delaware, and former Syracuse forward Chris Bell, who returned to his home state.
Statistically, Cal is middle-of-the-pack in the ACC. They average 77.8 points per game (11th in the league) and allow 71.5 (ninth).
But their calling card is defense-specifically, creating chaos. The Bears rank sixth in the nation with a 7.0% steal rate.
That pressure can disrupt offensive rhythm and flip momentum in a hurry.
They also post a 102.3 adjusted defensive efficiency and a 48.6% effective field goal percentage-both solid numbers that show this team can hang defensively.
How Syracuse Can Win
Let’s be clear: this is a winnable game for Syracuse, even with the recent turbulence. But to pull it off, the Orange have to do something they’ve struggled with lately-defend the perimeter.
Cal is lethal from deep, shooting 37.3% from three, the third-best mark in the ACC. And they rely on it-35% of their scoring comes from beyond the arc. That means every closeout matters, every switch has to be sharp, and Syracuse can’t afford to go under screens.
Camden and Ames are the biggest threats, both shooting over 41% from deep. Bell and Pippen aren’t far behind, hovering around 35%. If Syracuse gives them space, it’s going to be a long night.
On the flip side, this could be a rare opportunity for the Orange to control the glass. Syracuse has been out-rebounded by 10 in back-to-back games against UNC and Virginia. But Cal isn’t exactly dominant on the boards either.
Here’s the stat: Syracuse averages 34.7 rebounds per game, Cal 34.6. That’s 15th and 14th in the ACC, respectively.
Nationally, Syracuse ranks 287th in defensive rebounding rate (33%), while Cal is 337th in offensive rebounding rate (25.4%). In short: neither team rebounds well.
Someone has to win that battle, and it might just decide the game.
Player to Watch: Dai Dai Ames (No. 7, Guard)
If Syracuse wants to slow down Cal, it starts with Dai Dai Ames. The 6-foot-2 junior guard has been the engine for the Golden Bears’ offense. After transferring from Virginia, Ames has stepped into a lead role and hasn’t looked back.
He’s averaging 17 points per game and hitting 41% from three, making him Cal’s most dangerous scorer. A former top prospect out of Chicago, Ames has bounced around-Kansas State, UVA, and now Cal-but his production has steadily climbed. He’s taken 309 shots this season, nearly 60 more than any of his teammates.
Ames can score at all three levels and has the confidence to take over late in games. If Syracuse can contain him, it’ll go a long way toward getting back in the win column.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t the same Cal team that Syracuse beat a year ago. They’re deeper, more experienced, and playing with postseason aspirations. But for all their growth, this is still a game the Orange can win-especially at home.
To do it, they’ll need to bring energy on defense, contest every three, and finally win the battle on the boards. With seven games left, the margin for error is shrinking. If Syracuse wants to salvage its season, it has to start now.