Syracuse Snaps Skid Behind Big Nights from Kingz and Starling in 86-72 Win Over Notre Dame
Syracuse needed a spark. Coming into Saturday’s matchup with Notre Dame riding a four-game skid, the Orange were staring down the barrel of their first five-game losing streak since the 1968-69 season. Instead, they found their rhythm, their shot, and a much-needed win - taking down the Irish 86-72 at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The victory moves Syracuse to 13-9 on the season and 4-5 in ACC play, providing a crucial jolt of momentum ahead of a tough road stretch that includes trips to North Carolina and Virginia. For a team that had been searching for answers, Saturday delivered some - starting with Nate Kingz.
Kingz Delivers When It Matters Most
Kingz was in full command from the start, pouring in 28 points - a new season high - and hitting five threes in the process. His performance wasn’t just about volume; it was about timing.
With Notre Dame clawing back into the game late and cutting the lead to 66-60 with just under seven minutes to play, Kingz responded with a dagger three to halt the Irish momentum. Moments later, he stripped Braeden Shrewsberry clean, jumpstarting a fastbreak that led to Sadiq White drawing a foul.
That sequence sparked a 9-0 run that effectively put the game out of reach.
Plays like that don’t just show up on the stat sheet - they shift the energy in the building and remind everyone why Kingz is a go-to guy when the game tightens up.
Starling Starts Hot, Sets the Tone
While Kingz closed the door, it was JJ Starling who kicked it open. The senior guard came out on fire, scoring 17 of his 21 points in the first half. He was perfect from the field in the opening 20 minutes - 7-for-7, including 3-for-3 from deep - and played with the kind of confidence that Syracuse fans have been waiting to see more consistently.
Starling’s early outburst helped Syracuse jump out to a 28-16 lead, thanks in part to the Orange hitting six of their first nine attempts from beyond the arc. By halftime, they held a 40-31 advantage, shooting a blistering 61% from the field.
Freeman Benched to Start, White Steps In
One of the more surprising developments came before tipoff, when Syracuse’s leading scorer Donnie Freeman was not in the starting lineup. There was no injury reported, and no explanation offered before the game. In his place, freshman Sadiq White got the nod - a familiar role for him earlier in the season when Freeman missed time with a foot injury.
White brought energy in his return to the starting five, and while Freeman eventually logged 7 points and 6 rebounds, his impact was limited. He played just seven minutes in the first half, picking up two fouls and showing visible frustration after heading to the bench.
Notre Dame’s Late Push Falls Short
To their credit, Notre Dame didn’t fold. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Irish made a late push behind Cole Certa’s three-pointer that cut the deficit to six. But that’s when Kingz took over, and Syracuse slammed the door shut.
Notre Dame drops to 11-11 overall and 2-7 in the ACC, and while they showed some fight, they couldn’t match the Orange’s shot-making or the defensive intensity down the stretch.
Looking Ahead
This was the kind of response Syracuse desperately needed. After a rough stretch, they not only got back in the win column, but did so with poise, energy, and a renewed sense of urgency. The road ahead doesn’t get any easier, but if Kingz and Starling can keep this level of play going - and if the Freeman situation gets clarified - the Orange might just be turning a corner at the right time.