The clock showed 22 seconds left in double overtime. For anyone who’s ever sat in the JMA Wireless Dome watching their team battle through exhaustion, you know that feeling – your heart pounding, your voice hoarse from cheering, wondering if your team has one more push left in them.
That’s exactly where Syracuse fans found themselves Wednesday night. After nearly three hours of basketball, their Orange were clinging to a slim lead against California, and every possession felt like it could make or break their season.
When J.J. Starling stepped to the free-throw line with ice in his veins, you could hear a pin drop in that arena. This is what college basketball is all about – those moments that remind you why you fell in love with the game in the first place.
Syracuse Mens Basketball Delivers Drama in Double Overtime Victory
Syracuse mens basketball pulled off a thrilling 107-100 double-overtime victory over California at the JMA Wireless Dome, giving Orange fans one of the most memorable games of the season. The win improved Syracuse to 14-11 overall and 5-7 in ACC play, keeping their postseason hopes alive in what’s been a challenging conference campaign.
The game had everything you could ask for in college basketball – momentum swings, clutch shots, and the kind of effort that leaves players completely drained by the final buzzer. What started as a defensive battle transformed into an offensive showcase as both teams pushed their limits through two extra periods.
“This is the kind of game that defines your character,” said Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry after the victory. “When you’re tired, when the other team keeps coming back, that’s when you find out what you’re made of.”
The Orange got stellar performances from their veteran leaders, with Nate Kingz and J.J. Starling combining for 58 points in a display of scoring prowess that kept Syracuse in the fight when things got tough. Donnie Freeman also stepped up in crucial moments, providing the kind of clutch plays that win games in February.
Game-Changing Performances and Key Statistics
Numbers tell part of the story, but they can’t capture the emotion and intensity that filled the Dome for nearly three hours. Here’s how the key players performed in this marathon contest:
| Player | Points | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Nate Kingz | 30 | Late three-pointer in 2nd OT |
| J.J. Starling | 28 | Clutch free throws down the stretch |
| Donnie Freeman | 18 | Created separation in final minutes |
The game’s defining moments came in waves. After a sluggish first half that ended tied 35-35, both teams found their offensive rhythm as the stakes increased. The regulation period saw multiple lead changes, with neither team able to establish control until the very end.
Key factors that decided this marathon battle:
- Syracuse’s improved free-throw shooting in overtime periods
- Kingz’s clutch three-pointer with 2:18 left in the second overtime
- California’s missed opportunities in the closing seconds of regulation
- Freeman’s ability to create offense when the team needed it most
- The Orange’s defensive stops in crucial moments of the second overtime
“Nate hit that three and you could feel the whole building shift,” explained longtime Syracuse fan and season ticket holder Mike Thompson. “That’s when you knew this one was ours.”
What This Victory Means for Syracuse’s Season
This win carries weight beyond just one game in the standings. For a Syracuse mens basketball program trying to build momentum in Adrian Autry’s second season, victories like this can serve as turning points that define the rest of the campaign.
The Orange entered this game desperately needing quality wins to boost their resume for potential postseason consideration. At 14-11 overall, every remaining game carries significant importance for a program that’s working to return to national prominence.
More importantly, this type of victory builds confidence and chemistry that can’t be taught in practice. When players experience the thrill of battling through adversity together, it creates bonds that show up in future high-pressure situations.
“These are the games you remember years later,” said former Syracuse player and current analyst Derek Coleman. “When these guys are older, they’ll tell their kids about the night they played three hours of basketball and refused to quit.”
The win also showcases the depth and resilience of this Syracuse roster. While Kingz and Starling grabbed headlines with their scoring output, the victory required contributions from the entire team to survive two overtime periods against a determined California squad.
Looking Ahead: Building on This Momentum
Syracuse mens basketball now faces the challenge of carrying this energy into their remaining ACC schedule. With several tough games ahead, the Orange will need to build on the lessons learned from this marathon victory.
The performance showed both the potential and the areas for improvement within this Syracuse squad. While their ability to score in bunches kept them competitive, defensive consistency remains a work in progress that could determine their ultimate success this season.
For fans who witnessed this double-overtime thriller, it served as a reminder of why college basketball remains unmatched for pure drama and excitement. These are the moments that make all the investment in your team worthwhile – when players push beyond their limits and deliver something truly special.
The Orange will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push toward the postseason. With performances like Wednesday night’s showing what this team is capable of achieving, Syracuse fans have plenty of reasons to stay optimistic about what lies ahead.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Syracuse vs California game?
Syracuse defeated California 107-100 in double overtime at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Who led Syracuse in scoring against California?
Nate Kingz scored 30 points and J.J. Starling added 28 points, combining for 58 points to lead the Orange offense.
What is Syracuse’s record after beating California?
The victory improved Syracuse to 14-11 overall and 5-7 in ACC conference play for the season.
How many overtime periods were played in this game?
The game went to double overtime, with Syracuse finally pulling away in the second extra period for the victory.
What was the significance of this win for Syracuse basketball?
This victory was crucial for Syracuse’s postseason hopes and demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes situations.
When and where was this game played?
The game was played Wednesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse’s home arena in upstate New York.
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