Tennessee Falls to Syracuse in Final Seconds Despite Jaylen Carey’s Career Night
Tennessee had its chances. Multiple ones, in fact.
But in a game that came down to execution in the final seconds, it was Syracuse that made just enough plays to escape with a 62-60 win over No. 13 Tennessee in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
Let’s break it down.
Jaylen Carey Shines, But It’s Not Enough
Jaylen Carey did everything he could to keep Tennessee in it. The sophomore forward put together a career night, delivering in the paint with timely buckets and showing poise in a game that was anything but calm. His late score to tie the game at 60 with under 40 seconds left looked like it might be the spark Tennessee needed to steal one on the road.
But basketball isn’t always fair. Carey got a look in the final seconds-right in the heart of the paint, the kind of shot you live with if you’re Rick Barnes.
It just didn’t fall. Sometimes it’s a make-or-miss game, and this one tilted the wrong way for the Vols.
A Costly Defensive Breakdown
After Carey’s game-tying bucket, Tennessee’s defense had one job: get a stop. But a breakdown on the other end sent Syracuse forward William Kyle III to the free throw line. Kyle, who hasn’t exactly been automatic from the stripe this season, hit one of two to give the Orange a one-point edge.
That free throw turned out to be the difference.
Final Possessions: So Close, Yet So Far
Tennessee drew up a good look out of a timeout with 9.8 seconds left. Ja'Kobi Gillespie attacked the baseline and found Carey in the middle of the lane-again, a high-percentage shot from a guy who had been delivering all night. But this time, the finish wasn’t there.
Syracuse went back to the line, split the pair again, and left the door open with just 0.4 seconds remaining.
Somehow, Tennessee still managed to get a clean look. Bishop Boswell launched a full-court pass to freshman Nate Ament, who caught it clean and had a chance at the buzzer.
It was a great look considering the time constraints, but the shot didn’t fall. The JMA Wireless Dome erupted, and the Orange walked away with the upset.
What We’re Seeing from the Vols
This loss drops Tennessee to 7-2 on the season, and while it stings, there’s plenty to take away from this one. Carey’s emergence is a big storyline-he looked comfortable in crunch time, and that’s something the Vols can build on.
Boswell also continues to show flashes of maturity beyond his years. That full-court dime in the final second? That’s not a play every freshman makes under pressure.
But there are concerns, too. The late-game execution wasn’t sharp enough, and the defensive lapse that led to Kyle’s free throws was uncharacteristic for a Rick Barnes team. Those are the kinds of details that get magnified in close games, especially on the road.
Bottom Line
Tennessee had the talent and the opportunities to win this one. But in a tight, physical game where every possession mattered, the Vols came up just short. Carey’s breakout performance was a bright spot, but it’ll be the missed chances in the final minute that linger.
This one will sting-but it’s also the kind of game that can sharpen a team for the long haul.