Syracuse basketball drops road contest at Clemson, 86-72: Final score, recap and photos

Syracuse Basketball Drops Road Contest at Clemson, 86-72: Final Score, Recap, and Photos

Syracuse, NY — January 23, 2025
In what was another tough road test for the Syracuse Orange, the team fell to the Clemson Tigers, 86-72, on Tuesday night in an ACC showdown. The loss marks the third straight defeat for Syracuse on the road, and drops them to 3-5 in conference play, while Clemson improves to 6-2 in the ACC with the victory. The Tigers controlled the game for most of the evening, as Syracuse struggled with shooting and defense, especially in the second half.

First Half: Slow Start for Syracuse

The game opened with a high-paced tempo, but it was clear early on that Syracuse was going to have a tough time matching Clemson’s physicality. The Tigers came out with intensity, scoring quickly and forcing Syracuse into difficult shots. The Orange were never able to find a rhythm offensively, shooting just 35% from the field in the first half.

Clemson, on the other hand, was efficient from the field. Led by the sharpshooting efforts of guard Chase Hunter, who scored 12 points in the first half, the Tigers built an early lead and never looked back. Hunter, who had been a standout for Clemson all season, played a crucial role in keeping the defense on its heels. Syracuse’s defense, typically a hallmark of their game, struggled to contain Clemson’s offensive flow.

The Tigers were especially effective on the boards, out-rebounding Syracuse 21-13 in the first half. This dominance on the glass helped Clemson secure second-chance opportunities, many of which they converted into points. Syracuse’s inability to control the rebounding battle was one of the key factors in their downfall.

Despite the offensive struggles, Syracuse managed to stay within striking distance thanks to the strong performances from its veteran players. Guard Judah Mintz, the Orange’s leading scorer, was steady with 9 points in the first half, but he was largely contained by Clemson’s defense. Forward Benny Williams also provided a spark off the bench with some timely baskets, but Syracuse entered the break trailing 43-31.

Second Half: Clemson Pulls Away

The second half was much of the same for Syracuse, with Clemson continuing to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. The Tigers extended their lead to as much as 20 points early in the second half, and the Orange could never mount a serious comeback. The difference in the game was the shooting efficiency—Clemson shot 54% from the field, while Syracuse struggled at just 40% for the game.

Syracuse had several opportunities to cut into the lead, particularly when Clemson’s offense went through brief droughts, but each time the Orange got close, a timely shot from Clemson or a key offensive rebound pushed the lead back up. Syracuse’s offense was stagnant in the second half, with many of their possessions resulting in contested three-pointers or contested jump shots.

The Orange also struggled with turnovers, finishing with 14 total turnovers for the game. Syracuse was unable to capitalize on the opportunities they did create, failing to convert fast-break points or easy layups in transition.

On the defensive end, Syracuse’s famed 2-3 zone seemed ineffective against Clemson’s well-spread offense. The Tigers worked the ball around quickly, finding open shooters or dumping the ball inside for easy post baskets. Clemson shot 9-of-20 from beyond the arc, a key area where Syracuse failed to contest shots effectively.

Clemson’s leadership was solid throughout the game, with Hunter finishing with 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds. Forward PJ Hall also added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while guard Alex Hemenway contributed 14 points off the bench. It was an all-around team effort from Clemson, with each player contributing to the win in some capacity.

For Syracuse, Judah Mintz finished the game with 18 points but was inefficient, shooting just 6-of-16 from the field. Benny Williams added 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Jesse Edwards, who has been a force in the middle all season, struggled to make an impact, finishing with just 8 points and 4 rebounds. The Orange had no answer for Clemson’s frontcourt, as they were outclassed both offensively and defensively.

Post-Game Thoughts: What Went Wrong for Syracuse?

After the game, head coach Jim Boeheim expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, particularly in the second half. “We just didn’t play well. We weren’t tough enough on the boards, we didn’t shoot well, and we didn’t defend the way we’ve been capable of. Clemson’s a good team, but we didn’t give ourselves a chance to win.”

The rebounding disparity was a glaring issue. Despite having taller players like Edwards and Williams, Syracuse allowed Clemson to dominate the glass, and that’s something Boeheim pointed to as a key factor in the loss. “You can’t give a team second-chance opportunities like that and expect to win,” Boeheim said post-game.

Another issue for Syracuse was their perimeter shooting. The Orange were only able to knock down 7 of their 23 three-point attempts (30%), which is below their usual standard. Syracuse’s offense has often relied on efficient outside shooting to open up the floor, but the Tigers’ defense did a good job of contesting shots and forcing Syracuse into uncomfortable positions.

Clemson’s ability to execute in the half-court, particularly their ball movement and shooting, exposed weaknesses in Syracuse’s defensive scheme. While the 2-3 zone has been a staple of Boeheim’s defense for decades, it looked vulnerable against Clemson’s fast-paced offense.

Looking Ahead

For Syracuse, this loss is another tough blow in a season that has already been full of challenges. While the Orange have shown flashes of brilliance, their inability to put together consistent performances on the road has plagued them throughout the season. The team will need to regroup quickly, as they have more tough ACC matchups ahead.

Syracuse will return home to the Carrier Dome on Saturday, where they will take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels are always a tough opponent, but playing in front of their home crowd could give Syracuse the boost they need to get back on track.

For Clemson, this win marks another statement victory for the Tigers, who have quietly become one of the better teams in the ACC this season. With a deep roster and a solid defensive foundation, they will be a tough team to contend with as the conference schedule moves forward.