Tennessee basketball is back in action Tuesday night, and this one’s got a little extra juice. The No.
13 Volunteers head to Syracuse to take on the Orange in the ACC/SEC Challenge - a matchup that’s quickly becoming a familiar one. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
ET on ESPN2.
These two programs are meeting for the third straight season, a renewed rivalry after a 20-year gap in the series. Tennessee has had the upper hand lately, winning four straight over Syracuse by an average of 15 points.
Under Rick Barnes, the Vols are 15-5 against ACC opponents and an impressive 8-1 over the past four seasons. That’s the kind of consistency that travels - and they’ll need it inside the Carrier Dome (yes, we’re still calling it that).
So what’s the state of Syracuse basketball heading into this matchup? Let’s take a closer look at what Tennessee is up against.
Syracuse’s Vegas Trip: Flashes of Potential, But Flaws Exposed
Syracuse just wrapped up a tough stretch at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where they shared the stage with Tennessee and several top-tier programs. And while the Orange went winless in those three games, there were some takeaways that shouldn’t be ignored.
First, this team can hang defensively. They played Houston - one of the most physical and disciplined teams in the country - into overtime.
They kept things close with Kansas and were competitive with Iowa State for a half. That’s not nothing.
But then there’s the other side of the coin: free throws. Syracuse went 12-of-29 from the line against Houston.
That’s not just a missed opportunity - it’s a game-changer. They’re shooting just 57% from the stripe as a team this season, and it’s been a consistent issue.
If they’d even been average at the line, they might’ve walked away from Vegas with at least one win.
Who to Watch: Syracuse’s Key Players
The Orange are missing their top player, Donnie Freeman, who didn’t make the trip to Vegas and remains out. That absence makes their competitive showings even more notable, but it also puts more pressure on a supporting cast that’s still finding its rhythm.
- JJ Starling is the go-to guy in the backcourt. A returning starter and last year’s leading scorer, he’s aggressive off the dribble and can get to the rim, but his outside shot has been streaky, and his free throw shooting has been a concern - complete with a noticeable hitch in his form.
- Naithan George, the point guard, transferred in from Georgia Tech where he led the ACC in assists. He’s been a steady hand at times, but turnovers crept in during the Vegas trip.
- Nate Kingz, the small forward, came in with a reputation as a sharpshooter (45% from three last year), but he’s struggled to find that stroke this season, sitting at just 24% from deep.
- Sadiq White, a freshman filling in for Freeman, brings energy and athleticism in bunches. He’s raw but explosive - the kind of player who can swing momentum with a single play.
- William Kyle, the transfer center, has arguably been the biggest surprise. He leads Syracuse in rebounding, blocks, and field goal percentage. He’s athletic, mobile, and gives them a real presence in the paint.
- Off the bench, Tyler Betsey has been the most reliable perimeter threat. He’s third on the team in scoring and has been a stabilizing force offensively.
- Kiyan Anthony, son of Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony, is second on the team in scoring at 12 points per game. He’s still developing, but the talent is obvious.
Season Expectations: A Fanbase Divided
Coming into the season, Syracuse fans weren’t exactly unified in their outlook. After finishing below .500 last year, the pressure is on head coach Adrian Autry to show real progress.
The roster has been upgraded with transfers and young talent, but whether that’s enough to get back into the NCAA Tournament conversation remains to be seen. Some fans were optimistic, others more cautious.
So far, the team has shown flashes - but also the same issues that plagued them last season.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Defense vs. the Details
Defensively, Syracuse has been solid. Before the Vegas trip, they led the nation in fewest points allowed per game.
That’s a stat that doesn’t happen by accident. They’ve got length, athleticism, and a willingness to compete on that end of the floor.
But the weaknesses are glaring. Free throw shooting, as mentioned, has been a major problem.
And rebounding? That’s been just as concerning.
Syracuse was outrebounded in all three games in Vegas, and not by small margins. Kansas dominated the glass with a +20 advantage, and even Drexel got the better of the Orange on the boards earlier this season.
What to Expect Tuesday Night
The crowd at the Dome could be a bit of a wild card. Had Syracuse won even one game in Vegas, this might’ve been a 20,000-plus turnout.
But with three straight losses and bad weather in the forecast, expectations are more in the 12,000-15,000 range. Still, Tennessee is a big-name opponent, and the fans that show will be loud.
As for the game itself, the key stat to watch is turnover margin. Syracuse held even with Houston and was +13 against Kansas - and they were in both of those games until the end.
Against Iowa State, they were -10 in that category and got blown out. This is a team that thrives when it can force mistakes and get out in transition.
But when the turnovers pile up on their end, it gets ugly fast.
Final Thought
Tennessee walks into Syracuse as the favorite - and for good reason. But this isn’t a game they can sleepwalk through.
The Orange may be flawed, but they’ve got enough athleticism and defensive grit to make things uncomfortable. If the Vols take care of the basketball and control the boards, they should be in good shape.
But if Syracuse turns this into a chaotic, up-and-down affair, things could get interesting in a hurry.