Syracuse asserted its dominance over Notre Dame at the JMA Wireless Dome, winning 86-72 in a non-conference matchup. The Orange's Nate Kingz stole the show, scoring 28 points to lead his team to a convincing victory. Jalen Haralson of Notre Dame put up a valiant effort with 26 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Syracuse onslaught.
The game got off to a strong start for Syracuse, with the Orange taking a 40-31 lead into halftime. Notre Dame struggled to find its footing, shooting just 31% from the field in the first half. Syracuse, on the other hand, was clicking on all cylinders, with Kingz and J.J. Starling combining for 25 points in the opening 20 minutes. Starling finished the game with 21 points and 5 assists, providing a spark for the Orange on both ends of the court.
In the second half, Syracuse continued to pull away, outscoring Notre Dame 46-41. The Orange's offense was balanced and efficient, with William Kyle III chipping in 10 points and 8 rebounds. Notre Dame's Braeden Shrewsberry added 17 points and 5 rebounds, but the Fighting Irish couldn't keep pace with Syracuse's high-powered attack.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Syracuse winning by 6.6 points, but the Orange exceeded that margin with ease. The 14-point victory was a reflection of Syracuse's strength and depth, and it marked a significant win for the Orange as they look to bolster their tournament resume.
This game was classified as a Quadrant 3 win for Syracuse and a Quadrant 2 loss for Notre Dame. For the Orange, the victory helps to solidify their position on the bubble, and it could be a key factor in their tournament chances come March. With a current net ranking of 79, Syracuse is still very much in the mix for an at-large bid. Notre Dame, on the other hand, falls to 11-11 and sees its tournament hopes take a hit. The Fighting Irish must regroup and refocus if they want to make a push for the postseason.
The win is a significant boost to Syracuse's resume, and it demonstrates the team's ability to take care of business against quality opponents. As the season enters its final stretch, the Orange want to build on this momentum and make a strong case for themselves as a tournament contender. With Nate Kingz leading the charge, Syracuse is a team to watch in the coming weeks.