The Syracuse Orange are back home Wednesday night, looking to snap a tough stretch when they host the California Golden Bears at 7 p.m. ET.
It’s been a rough run for the Orange-losing six of their last seven games-and the slide has them tumbling down the ACC standings. But with Cal coming to town, there’s a chance to reset and get back on track.
The game will air on ESPNU and stream live on fuboTV.
Let’s rewind to Saturday’s matchup in Charlottesville, where Syracuse fell to No. 18 Virginia, 72-59.
Despite the loss, the Orange showed flashes-especially from sophomore guard Naithan George, who turned in one of his best performances of the season. George was nearly flawless, going 8-of-9 from the field and finishing with a game-high 19 points.
He was aggressive, efficient, and confident-everything Syracuse needed to stay competitive against a top-20 team on the road.
Seniors Nate Kingz and J.J. Starling each chipped in 13 points, while William Kyle III made his presence felt on the defensive end with a career-high four blocks in ACC play. Kyle’s rim protection gave the Orange a fighting chance, especially in the second half when they tried to claw their way back into it.
But Virginia’s perimeter shooting proved to be the difference. The Cavaliers knocked down 10 threes-more than any other ACC opponent has managed against Syracuse this season. Sam Lewis led the way for UVA with 16 points, including four from deep, and his timely shooting helped the Cavaliers hold off a late Syracuse push.
The Orange had momentum midway through the second half, trimming a double-digit deficit down to just four points at 61-57 with 5:10 to play. A 7-2 run sparked by active defense and quick transition offense gave the Orange life.
But just as quickly, the offense stalled. Syracuse went scoreless for over two and a half minutes, and Virginia capitalized.
A driving layup by Kingz with 2:34 left would be Syracuse’s final field goal of the game. From there, Chance Mallory buried a dagger three, and the Cavaliers closed it out with a 7-0 run.
Early on, Syracuse came out with intensity. Starling and George combined for the first eight points, giving the Orange an 8-4 lead.
But Virginia responded with a 12-0 run, flipping the game’s momentum and building a 16-8 cushion. The Cavaliers would stretch that lead to 12 before Syracuse regrouped, using a 17-5 burst to tie things up at 33 with just over three minutes left in the half.
Still, Virginia had the final word before the break, taking a 38-35 lead into the locker room.
George was lights-out in the first half-5-for-5 from the field for 13 points-while Starling added 10. But Virginia’s control of the glass (38-28 overall) and their ability to hit timely shots kept Syracuse from ever fully seizing control.
Now, the Orange turn their attention to Cal. It’s a non-conference matchup that comes at a crucial time.
Syracuse is searching for rhythm, consistency, and, most of all, a win. With George heating up, Starling providing veteran leadership, and Kyle anchoring the defense, the pieces are there.
Wednesday night offers a chance to put them together.