Syracuse defeats Georgia Tech 72-82
Syracuse Edges Georgia Tech in Conference Thriller
In a tightly contested Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup, the Syracuse Orange (10-5, 3-2 ACC) outlasted the host Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (7-8, 1-4 ACC) 82-72 at McCamish Pavilion on Wednesday night.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from start to finish, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage until late in the second half. The Orange took an early lead but trailed by as many as four points before regaining the upper hand behind a 20-point outburst from senior guard Donnie Freeman.
Freeman's performance was instrumental in Syracuse's victory, as he shot 50% from the field and connected on 2-of-4 three-point attempts. The 27-point tally marked his highest scoring output this season.
Key Takeaways
Syracuse's balanced attack proved to be too much for Georgia Tech, which struggled with efficiency throughout the game. The Yellow Jackets committed 28 fouls, leading to a 40.6% free throw rate and additional points down the stretch.
Freeman's strong shooting performance was complemented by that of his teammate Naithan George, who dished out five assists and scored 17 points off the bench.
For Georgia Tech, Baye Ndongo led the way with 20 points, but his team fell short despite a strong defensive effort. The Yellow Jackets' ability to limit Syracuse's three-point shooting was hindered by their own struggles from beyond the arc, as they shot just 22% from that distance.
Advanced Statistics
The advanced statistics paint an interesting picture of the game's outcome. Syracuse's eFG% (48.4%) and true shooting percentage (54.9%) suggest a well-executed offense, while Georgia Tech's defensive struggles are evident in their eFG% (42.2%).
Syracuse's strong performance on the glass, with 44 rebounds, also contributed to their victory.
Overall, it was a hard-fought win for Syracuse, which moves back into the fold of potential ACC tournament contenders. The Orange will look to build momentum heading into their next test against Clemson.