Syracuse Falls to Hofstra in Costly Non-Conference Slip-Up at the Dome
Syracuse had a golden opportunity to close out its non-conference slate with momentum, but that plan hit a wall Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. The Orange dropped a tough one to Hofstra, 70-69, in a game that could loom large when March rolls around.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just an off night. It was a missed opportunity - and one that could sting for a while.
Hofstra Out-executes Syracuse Down the Stretch
Give credit where it’s due - Hofstra came into the Dome and didn’t blink. The Pride, now 8-4 on the season, showed poise in a hostile environment and executed their game plan with discipline, especially in the second half. Their zone defense caused problems for Syracuse, and the Orange never found a consistent rhythm against it.
Yes, there were questionable calls late - including a no-call on a clear foul as Kiyan Anthony attacked the rim in the final seconds - but this game wasn’t decided by officiating. Syracuse put itself in a tough spot by letting Hofstra hang around, and the Pride took advantage.
Shooting Woes and Free Throws Continue to Haunt the Orange
Syracuse’s shooting splits tell the story. The Orange shot a respectable 45.6% from the field and 34.8% from three, but the free-throw line was another matter entirely.
Just 56.3% from the stripe? That’s not going to cut it in a one-point game - especially when Hofstra was a perfect 100% on their free throws and a scorching 66.7% from deep.
The Orange actually won most of the hustle categories: more rebounds (34-27), more offensive boards (15-8), more blocks (9-5), and more assists (15-13). But when your opponent is that efficient from long range and the foul line, those little advantages don’t always add up to a win.
Donnie Freeman Still Out, Freshmen Step Up
Syracuse was once again without sophomore forward Donnie Freeman, who missed his sixth straight game with a lower-body injury. His absence continues to be felt, particularly when it comes to interior defense and frontcourt depth.
Freshman Sadiq White Jr. got the start again in Freeman’s place and made the most of it, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds. He brought energy and toughness, but the Orange could still use Freeman’s presence as they gear up for the ACC grind.
Fellow freshman Kiyan Anthony also had a solid outing, putting up 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal. He showed flashes of what makes him such a highly touted prospect - and nearly delivered a game-winning moment late - but the Orange needed just a bit more.
Balanced Scoring, But Not Enough
Syracuse had five players score in double figures, led by J.J. Starling’s 15 points.
William Kyle III added 13 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, continuing to be a force in the paint. Nate Kingz chipped in 12 points and five boards, rounding out a balanced offensive effort.
But sometimes, balance isn’t enough - especially when the other team is hitting two-thirds of their threes and cashing every free throw.
A Hit to the Resume
The loss drops Syracuse to 6-4 overall and knocks their NCAA NET ranking down to No. 92, with KenPom placing them at No. 75.
That’s not where you want to be in mid-December if you’re chasing an NCAA Tournament bid - especially after a win earlier this month over then-No. 13 Tennessee had started to build some real momentum.
Now, that marquee win is overshadowed by a home loss to a mid-major. Yes, Hofstra is a solid CAA program and even has a road win at Pittsburgh under its belt, but this is the kind of game Syracuse needs to win - especially at home, especially with the ACC schedule looming.
What’s Next
Syracuse wraps up its non-conference slate on Wednesday, Dec. 17, when it hosts Mercyhurst. That’s a game the Orange should handle, but it won’t do much to move the needle in terms of tournament positioning.
The bigger picture? This Hofstra loss is the kind of blemish that selection committees remember. And if Syracuse finds itself on the bubble in March, this game could be the one that haunts them.
There’s still time to right the ship, but the margin for error just got a little thinner.