The Syracuse Orange are sitting at 8-4 heading into their final non-conference matchup, but let’s be honest - the road to that record has been anything but smooth. Saturday’s eight-point win over Northeastern at the Dome was another example of a team still trying to figure out who it is, especially on the defensive end.
Sure, a win is a win. But when you're going up against a Northeastern squad ranked outside the top 200 in the NET, fans were expecting a bit more breathing room - especially after a shaky showing against Mercyhurst just days earlier.
Still, there were some encouraging signs, particularly on offense. Let’s break it down.
Offense Finds Its Rhythm - But Defense Takes a Step Back
Let’s start with the good news: Syracuse’s offense came to play. Five players hit double figures, and the ball movement looked sharper than it has in recent games.
Naithan George led the charge with 22 points and six assists, showing poise and control as the floor general. He was aggressive, got to the line, and kept the offense humming.
Off the bench, Kiyan Anthony and Tyler Betsey made a real impact. Anthony dropped 18 points on 5-of-6 shooting - an efficient night that showcased his growing confidence - while Betsey added 14 points, also on efficient shooting, and helped spark the second unit. Together, they accounted for all 32 of Syracuse’s bench points, a much-needed boost that gave the Orange some scoring depth.
Nate Kingz and William Kyle each chipped in 14, and J.J. Starling added nine in a game where Syracuse posted its highest point total of the season. Offensively, this was a step in the right direction.
But while the scoring was up, the defense took a hit.
Northeastern found open looks all game long, shooting nearly 47% in the first half and almost 50% in the second. The Huskies put up 52 points after halftime - the second straight game where Syracuse was outscored in the second half - and made the Orange work for everything on the defensive end.
Ryan Williams led Northeastern with 20 points on a blistering 8-of-10 shooting. Xander Alarie added 19, and Youri Fritz chipped in 17.
And it wasn’t like Northeastern caught fire from deep - they hit just 8-of-23 from beyond the arc. This was more about defensive lapses, slow rotations, and a lack of consistent pressure.
If Syracuse wants to make noise in the ACC, they’ll need to tighten things up defensively. Giving up nearly 50% shooting to a sub-200 NET team isn’t going to cut it when the schedule ramps up.
Falling Short in the Fundamentals
There are a few core principles Syracuse has emphasized all season: play fast, win the turnover battle, and bring consistent defensive energy. Against Northeastern, the Orange didn’t exactly check those boxes - or at least not convincingly.
They did force 13 turnovers, but gave it away 11 times themselves. They edged out Northeastern in points off turnovers (15-11), but not by much. And in fast break and second-chance points - two areas where Syracuse usually thrives - the Huskies actually held the edge, 21-19 and 16-12 respectively.
Those margins might seem small, but when you’re trying to build an identity around defensive intensity and transition play, losing the hustle categories - even by a few points - adds up. Syracuse doesn’t need to dominate every one of those stats every night, but they can’t afford to come up short across the board either.
Free Throws: A Bright Spot
One area where Syracuse took a clear step forward? The free throw line.
After struggling early in the season, the Orange got to the stripe 48 times against Northeastern - their first game cracking the 40-attempt mark this year - and converted 34 of them. That’s a 71% clip, and while not elite, it’s a solid sign of progress.
George led the way here too, knocking down 12-of-14 from the line. Anthony went 8-of-12, and Betsey hit 5-of-6. Those three were the only players to shoot more than two free throws, but they made their chances count.
Getting to the line that often shows aggression and a willingness to attack - something this team will need in conference play. And if they can continue converting at a respectable rate, it could become a real weapon moving forward.
What’s Next?
With one non-conference game left, Syracuse has a chance to fine-tune before the ACC grind begins. The offense is trending up, the bench is producing, and the free throw shooting is no longer a liability. But the defense - especially in the second half - remains a work in progress.
The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together for a full 40 minutes. Because once the ACC schedule hits, the margin for error gets a whole lot smaller.