MLB Network is Back!

March 19, Networking Sessions by Appointment, Room 276 Newhouse 2

The long standing partnership between the Newhouse Sports Media Center and the Major League Baseball Network continues this Spring with networking sessions scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th. Students will have the opportunity to meet with MLB Network staff in person and discuss potential opportunities with the network. Interested students will need to sign up here for an appointment and email Mylinda Smith(msmith@syr.edu)in the Newhouse Sports Media Center your resume and letter of interest.

Little League World Series Residency Program Interest Meeting

TUESDAY MARCH 19

5:30 PM(Room 327 Time Warner Room, Newhouse 3)

The Newhouse Sports Media Center will continue its partnership with Little League offering summer programs for students and recent graduates. Please attend the information session for more details. You can read up on the Little League World Series Residency Program here!

Syracuse Men Finish Home Slate with a Win

Syracuse men’s basketball wrapped up their home slate with a win over Virginia Tech, taking down the Hokies 84-71. They’ll end the regular season with a 14-2 record in the Dome.

Syracuse’s offense looked electric, shooting 61.3% from the field during the first half. Judah Mintz scored 16 points in the first alone. Virginia Tech struggled to find a response and the Orange headed into halftime with an 18-point lead.

But in the second half, Virginia Tech found the momentum they needed. After trailing by as much as 21 in the second half, the Hokies eventually narrowed the Orange’s lead to 7, making 57% of their shots to get back into it.

Coach Autry called a timeout with 7:30 to go. Mintz said the coaches reeled them in, knowing the squad needed to stay poised to win the game.

“We just needed to calm down,” he said. “Emotions started running a little high. But we settled down a bit, got back into the game.”

The Orange looking to put an end to the Hokies’ rally. Photo by Jalyss Agosto.

When they re-entered the court, a switch had been flipped. An ensuing dunk from Maliq Brown kickstarted a scoring run for the Orange. They rediscovered their defensive groove and outscored the Hokies 24-8 as the clock expired.

Syracuse also made 100% of their free throws, the best they’ve been from the line all season. Mintz went 8 of 8 from that line, ending the day with 29 points and six assists in what could potentially be his final game in the Dome.

Coach Adrian Autry had high praises for his squad after the game, saying it was one of the best outings he’s seen from them all season.

“I think our chemistry is getting better,” he said. “They understand what we’re trying to do. It’s easy to guard plays, but hard to guard concepts. Everyone wants to see plays, anybody can guard plays. But can they play basketball? That’s what this offense is all about – space, and letting players play.”

Syracuse is now 19-10 overall this season. They’ve won four of their past five matchups, reinvigorating conversations about the team making the NCAA tournament. Syracuse looks to keep their win streak going in Louisville on Saturday.

Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse Falls to Army in Overtime. 

Syracuse men’s lacrosse suffered another close defeat in a top 10 matchup against the Army Black Knights on Wednesday night in the JMA Dome, losing 14-13. This game echoed their recent loss to Maryland in overtime a few weeks prior, with both matches showcasing intense competition until the very end, ultimately marred by last-minute errors leading to defeat.

The game remained neck and neck, with the score tied eight times, the final tie coming from attackman Owen Hiltz, who managed to level the score at 13-13 with just 2:28 remaining in the fourth quarter.

A critical save by goalie Will Mark in the final seconds sent the game into overtime. Although Syracuse gained possession from the opening face-off in overtime, they struggled to create scoring opportunities against Army’s formidable defense. Sudden victory was within Syracuse’s grasp,when  fifth-year player Christian Mulé caused a turnover and found himself facing an open net. However, his shot from near midfield missed wide left, handing possession back to Army, who capitalized on the opportunity.

Picture credit Joohee Na/The Newshouse. Owen Hiltz on the attack for the Orange.

A look of defeat overcame the Orange when Army’s junior Jackson Eicher got out of a double team and scored the game-winning goal, securing Army’s third consecutive victory over Syracuse in their series.

“It was an incredible game, we gave ourselves the opportunity,” said head coach  Gait. “Another valuable game to develop this young team … I believe in these guys.” 

Picture credit Joohee Na/The Newshouse. Jackson Eicher breaking through two defenders for the overtime goal. 

Sophomore standout Joey Spallina had a tough game, failing to score a goal and committing four turnovers while being closely defended by Army’s AJ Pilate. However, he did contribute with two assists. 

When asked about Spallina’s role in the game, sensing criticism, teammate Christian Mule quickly jumped into his defense. 

“Joey is a freshman and he’s getting the best defenseman on him every game… they’re trying to take him out the game,” said Mule. “It opens up our offense and people need to realize that. People are just way too hard on him.”

Looking ahead, Syracuse aims to bounce back when they host High Point on Saturday, March 2, at 5 PM.

“Tiger” Johnson, Carrington and Vianello Impress at Top Rank Boxing: Foster v. Nova

O’Shaquie Foster (22-2, 12 KOs) successfully defended his WBC super featherweight title over Abraham Nova (23-2, 16 KOs) at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday via split decision (116-111, 115-112, 113-114). 

30-year-old Foster entered the ring as a 7-1 favorite, and in the fight’s lead-up the odds were even more lopsided. Nova found success early in the fight, but “Shock” Foster warmed up and took control in the middle and late rounds. In the 12th, Foster landed a flush left hook, briefly knocking Nova down and earning a 10-8 round.

Abraham Nova recovers from being knocked down in the 12th round.

Undefeated super lightweight prospect Delante “Tiger” Johnson (12-0, 6 KOs) made a strong impact on the crowd early in the night with his first-round knockout over Paulo Cesar Galdino (13-8, 9 KOs). The Cleveland native displayed outstanding timing, technique and speed before finding the finish.

Johnson used footwork and his sharp jab to stab at Galdino and cut angles before Galdino could set to fire back. Using these weapons, Johnson set up his rear hand cross and uppercut, sprinkling in body work when his opponent’s hands were too high.

“I told ’em I’m going to start the year off good,” Johnson said after the victory. “This was the best I’ve ever felt in any of my fights and we’re just going to keep on being great, we’re back in the lab ASAP.”

Delante “Tiger” Johnson lands a right hand through the guard of Paulo Cesar Galdino.

The 25-year-old showed impressive poise and an ability to stay in the pocket and land shots without taking much damage. “Tiger” scored a knockdown with a lead hand uppercut, and quickly swarmed to earn a standing TKO finish at the end of the first. 

“I want to show that I’ve been working, I didn’t really get a chance to show everything we worked on in camp,” Johnson said.

Johnson is currently ranked #34 in the world at the weight and #14 in the country, according to BoxRec. He stated he wants to be active in 2024 and is hoping for three or four more fights.

Johnson manages range prior to finding the first-round stoppage.

Brooklyn native Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (11-0, 7 KOs) scored a fourth-round knockout against Bernard Angelo Torres (18-2, 8 KOs) after receiving a hero’s welcome at The Theater. The win earned him three minor vacant belts: the WBO and IBF Intercontinental featherweight titles and the NABF featherweight title.

Heavyweight Guido Vianello (12-1-1, 10 KOs) managed to score five knockdowns on Moses Johnson (11-2-2, 8 KOs) in the first round alone – the last one finished the fight as the bell rang. 

The 6-foot-6 Italian is still righting the ship from his first professional loss last year to Jonnie Rice (16-6-1, 11 KOs) when a brutal cut over his left eye led to the referee stepping in midway through the seventh round. Now, he’s slated for a step up in competition after two decent wins. 

Home Crowd Hero: Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Delivers KO

NEW YORK, NY– Top Rank’s triple header card on Friday opened with a bang. The event started with a fourth-round knockout by Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington against Bernard Torres (18-2, 8 KOs). The Brooklyn native showcased why he is a top prospect in the featherweight weight class with his slick footwork and calculated combinations.

Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington facing Bernard Torres at Madison Square Garden Theatre. Photos by: Patricia Duong

Carrington asserted his dominance from the opening bell by utilizing a piston-like jab to set the tempo and dictate the flow of the fight, gradually dismantling Torres’ defense. With an 18-2 record, Torres was outmaneuvered as Carrington unleashed multiple powerful combinations.

Carrington’s accuracy was surgical, with over a third of his punches landing flush on target. Torres struggled to find his footing only landing 24 punches throughout the contest.

Bruce Carrington lands a vicious right hand, sealing a knockout victory. Photo by: Patricia Duong

“Shu Shu” became more aggressive in the fourth round, landing multiple combinations. With just seconds left, he landed a brutal right-hand knockout to Torres.

After the conclusion of the fight, Carrington looked into the crowd and yelled, “This is my house!”

In a post-fight interview, Carrington expressed gratitude to his fans and their role in his success. “It always means the world to perform in front of my home crowd, New York City, Madison Square Garden. Ya’ll make me want to turn up every time. Every single time I fight here, I get a knockout. Every time I fight here, I get a stoppage.”

“Shu Shu” walking away after knocking Torres to the ground. Photos by: Patricia Duong

Carrington started his boxing career when he was just 12 years old at the NYC Cops & Kids Youth Center, where he received free training. Carrington attributes his success, both in and out of the ring, to the program, the support of NYPD Police Officers, and the unwavering support of his family.

Carrington, whose boxing journey was documented in the film “Brownsville Born,” intends to use his platform to promote the nonprofit organization NYPD Cops & Kids Program. He hopes to inspire the next generation of boxers from his neighborhood to make positive choices. Carrington visited the center before his fight to speak with the children about his path from Cops & Kids to fighting under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. As a gesture of goodwill, he donated 80 tickets to his fight.

With an improved record of 11-0 seven of those wins by knockout, Carrington is making an effort to prove himself to be a dominant force in the featherweight division.

GALLERY: Kansas City Chiefs are Back to Back Super Bowl Champions

On February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers faced off in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Only the second Super Bowl ever to go into OT, the Kansas City Chiefs came out on top with a final score of 25-22. This Super Bowl victory made the Chiefs the first team to win back to back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2004-05.

Lovro Kos Wins Gold Despite Lake Placid’s Unpredictable Weather

In the heart of Lake Placid, the ski jumping Olympics unfolded; an event impacted by unpredictable weather. The athletes found themselves at the mercy of unseasonably warm breezes and winds that hinted at slow-coming spring. For two out of the event’s three days, the wind transformed the competition into a battle not just of skill, but of adaptation.

Among the competitors, Killian Piere of Switzerland said he’s seen bigger hills but the weather might be the biggest concern “The conditions are a bit tricky so you need to be lucky, but you also need a strong jump to go far,” said Piere.

Lovro Kos emerged not merely as a participant, but as a master of the skies. His journey to winning two medals was a testament to the unbeatable spirit of an athlete who knows that winning is about dealing with surprises. The weather, though adverse, made the athletes’ competition more challenging. It was a scenario where a good jump was not solely a matter of technique and power, but also of the ability to persevere through the wind. Kos, speaking after his victory, reflected on the obstacles posed by the weather conditions.

“It was tough, but if you do good jumps then even the wind can’t tear you down,” Kos said.

Kos won the first place gold in the individual competition and the second place silver in the final matchup. Leaving Lake Placid with a victory was a moment of pride for Kos. The hill, with its breathtaking beauty, was more than just a venue; it was a testament to the enduring skill of ski jumping. For Kos, the victory was not just about the medal, but about the affirmation that his season-long dedication to training paid off.

“It’s really something else to win on such a beautiful hill in Lake Placid,” Kos said, “It’s really nice to see that the stuff we’ve been doing all season is working.”

In the end, the ski jumping Olympics showcased the battle between athletes and the weather, proving that with determination and skill, people can overcome nature’s challenges and achieve great things.
Lovro Kos, taking home his gold and silver medals became not just a champion, but a symbol of perseverance.

Boeheim Weekend: Creative Strategy and Execution for Sports Social Platforms

THURSDAY FEB. 29 | NEWHOUSE 3, I-3 CENTER(432/434), 11AM

The Newhouse Sports Media Center welcomes the Syracuse Athletics Creative Team for an instant breakdown of Boeheim Weekend! Find out how the team behind the accounts strategized and executed one of the biggest tent pole weekends of the Syracuse University academic year. Assistant AD for Creative Mike Lang and Video Producer Ethan Salm join Newhouse Sports Media Center and TRF Professor Jordan Kligerman for a panel talk about how they created content to celebrate a legendary coach on all platforms. Specifically, the team will dive deep on the viral video voiced by current Syracuse University Men’s Basketball Coach, Adrian Autry.  The group will walk through ideation to distribution and also give insights into how Syracuse Athletics approaches creative content in general. 

This talk is part of Professor Kligerman’s SMC 403-603 Sports Content for Social Platforms Course and also part of the Newhouse Sports Media Center’s annual speaker series. Please contact Mylinda Smith, msmith@syr.edu, for accommodations. 

Lack of Physicality Sees Orange Stunned by Blue Devils

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse came into this matchup with Duke on a five-game win streak and looked to keep the momentum going heading into the final week of the regular season. Even though the Blue Devils turned the ball over 27 times, the Orange were out-rebounded 52-25 and lost 58-45.

Syracuse and Duke traded baskets through the opening ten minutes of play. The Orange gave up the first four points of the contest, but they fought back to bring their deficit to within three by the end of the quarter. Dyaisha Fair led the team in scoring, but four different players got involved offensively.

Orange forward Alyssa Latham works inside to try find a spark for the offense. (Photo Courtesy of Cody Stokes)

The Orange saw the game slip out of their hands in the second quarter as the Blue Devils came out hot on a 10-4 run that lasted until the media timeout. After the break, Duke found another gear and scored 11 of the final 13 points in the first half that sent Coach Legette-Jack storming into the locker room. Her team was not only losing by 18, but it was losing the rebound battle by 19.

“The rebounding thing to me is the easiest thing in the world,” said Coach Jack. “Rebounding is toughness, and credit to Kara Lawson and her team. They out-toughed us today.”

Syracuse head coach Felisha Legette-Jack looks on as her team struggles with rebounding against Duke. (Photo Courtesy of Cody Stokes)

Syracuse came back to life in the third quarter as it started the second half on a 9-3 run through the first three-and-a-half minutes of play thanks to Fair scoring seven of the nine while Georgia Woolley knocked in two foul shots. Over the final six minutes of the frame, it quickly became a defensive battle as the offenses slowed down.

The defensive stalemate carried over into the fourth quarter as the first five minutes saw just 10 points combined between the two teams as the visitors scoring seven of the 10. Syracuse just could not muster any offense as shots continued to be blocked or bounce out off the rim, and the inability to rebound quickly became an eyesore. Fair added seven more points to finish the night with a total of 22 while Woolley hit a three, and Sophie Burrows added a pair of free throws.

Georgia Woolley drives into the perimeter as she gets around her defender, Tania Mair. (Photo Courtesy of Cody Stokes)

While the Orange fought all 40 minutes, it was an uphill battle for much of the game. They last had the lead with just over two minutes to go in the first quarter and tried to play catch up the final 32 minutes as the Blue Devils held on for the win.

“Today required us to dig deep into our discipline and our focus and our fight,” said Coach Jack. “We didn’t do that, and when you get beat 52-25 on the boards, the fight wasn’t working. I take full responsibility for that, and we will get better.”

Syracuse is back in action Sunday for the final home game of the season when it hosts Pitt in an ACC matchup. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

Syracuse Holds Off Notre Dame Comeback in Emotional Tribute to Boeheim

In a game that showcased both the dominance and resilience of Syracuse Men’s Basketball, the Orange secured a hard-fought victory against Notre Dame, prevailing 88-85. However, beyond the thrilling on-court action, the day held significant emotional weight as the Syracuse community came together to honor the legendary coach, Jim Boeheim, for his unparalleled 47-year tenure.

From the opening tip-off, Syracuse came out firing on all cylinders, led by a scorching start from sophomore sensation Judah Mintz, who poured in 10 points in the opening 10 minutes. Mintz, along with sharpshooter Chris Bell, propelled the Orange to an early 24-9 advantage, leaving Notre Dame struggling to find an answer.

Syracuse’s Judah Mintz makes a last-second pass in the first half of Saturday’s game at the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Jonathan Kinane/Newhouse SMC)

Despite Notre Dame’s efforts to claw back into the contest, Syracuse’s suffocating defense and balanced scoring kept the Fighting Irish at bay for much of the first half. However, a late surge from Notre Dame trimmed the halftime deficit to 49-29, setting the stage for a dramatic second-half showdown.

Syracuse’s Judah Mintz defends Notre Dame’s Markus Burton in the final seconds of Saturday’s game (Photo by Jonathan Kinane/Newhouse SMC)

As the second half commenced, Notre Dame mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by the sharpshooting of Braeden Shrewsberry and the scoring prowess of Markus Burton. Behind a barrage of three-pointers, the Fighting Irish sliced Syracuse’s once-commanding lead to a mere four points with eight minutes remaining.

However, Syracuse responded to the challenge with poise and resilience, as Chris Bell continued to deliver clutch buckets alongside contributions from Judah Mintz, JJ Starling, Maliq Brown, and Justin Taylor, all of whom finished in double figures. Head Coach Adrian Autry was pleased with how Taylor finished despite his lack of scoring this season,

“When you have a guy that hasn’t played the best that he’s capable of, he didn’t hold his head down, he kept working. I’ll say this right now. I’ll take a bullet, I’m with these guys everyday. These are young men that are trying to help us win and they do everything I ask them to do.”

Despite the relentless onslaught from Notre Dame, the Orange refused to relinquish their lead, ultimately clinching the hard-earned victory.

Yet, the triumph on the court was just one aspect of the day’s significance. Following the game, the Syracuse faithful gathered to pay homage to the iconic figure of Jim Boeheim, who has left an indelible mark on the program and the sport of basketball as a whole. In a heartfelt ceremony featuring esteemed alum Mike Tirico, Boeheim was showered with gratitude and presented with numerous tokens of appreciation, including the unveiling of a new banner commemorating his unparalleled legacy.

Coach Jim Boeheim giving his final speech inside the JMA Wireless Dome (Photo by Jonathan Kinane/Newhouse SMC)

Syracuse continues to fight for an NCAA Tournament spot in their last home game against Virginia Tech next Tuesday at 7 PM.

Syracuse Women’s Basketball Celebrates Senior Day with Gritty Win over Pittsburgh

In a game filled with emotional highs and lows, the Syracuse Women’s Basketball team battled their way to a hard-fought victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, securing a 63-53 win on Senior Day. The victory not only marked a significant milestone for the team but also showcased the resilience and determination of their senior leader, Dyaisha Fair.

The game got off to a sluggish start for Syracuse, with Pittsburgh taking an early 12-6 lead midway through the first quarter. However, Fair quickly asserted herself, knocking down a crucial three-pointer to narrow the deficit and inch closer to etching her name in the annals of women’s college basketball history. With a free throw towards the end of the first quarter, Fair solidified her place among the top five all-time scorers in Women’s Division I basketball. Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack was emotional post-game reflecting on Fair’s journey.

Head Coach Legette-Jack postgame speaking to the crowd (Photo by Zachary Priehs/Newhouse SMC)

“She came from the bottom of Rochester with that skill set. Nobody was willing to give her a chance, and I had to tell her, I will give you a chance but we have to take care of some things academically. She did the work, not only did she do the work, she came to Buffalo at the front door. Most people have to go through the side door. She did everything to get there. When you tell someone you believe in them and you tell them that they are enough, they will soar and she’s a living example of that.”

As the game progressed, Syracuse encountered difficulties on the offensive end, struggling to find their rhythm and falling behind as Pittsburgh surged ahead to a 30-25 lead at halftime. Despite the deficit, the Orange refused to relent, mounting a spirited comeback in the second half.

Led by the veteran leadership of Fair, along with contributions from Georgia Woolley and Sophie Burrows, Syracuse fought tooth and nail to claw their way back into contention. Despite trailing by as many as double digits in the third quarter, the Orange never lost faith in their ability to rally.

With the game hanging in the balance, Fair stepped up when it mattered most, delivering clutch plays down the stretch to help propel Syracuse to victory.

As the buzzer sounded, Syracuse celebrated not only a crucial win but also a poignant Senior Day ceremony, honoring the contributions of Dyaisha Fair, Alaina Rice, Izabel Varejao, Dominique Camp, and Cheyenne McEvans.

#2 Dyaisha Fair 3-point jumper from the corner (Photo by Zachary Priehs/Newhouse SMC)

Embracing the significance of her journey, Fair expressed deep emotion, “Coming from Rochester it’s not the easiest place to get from or get out of. To start from there and be able to prove everyone that doubted me. To be able to be a part of the culture Coach Jack instills in her players has made me realize that overtime there’s always light on the other side.”

Syracuse looks to their final game of the regular season at #6 N.C. State Thursday at 7:30 PM.

Syracuse Upsets No. 7 North Carolina with 86-79 Victory

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a stunning upset, Syracuse handed No. 7 North Carolina an 86-79 defeat on Tuesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome, marking the program’s first win over a Top 10 team since 2019.

Judah Mintz led the charge for the Orange with an impressive 25-point performance, including 16 points in the second half, while JJ Starling contributed 23 points, 13 of which came in the latter period.

Judah Mintz running back on defense after finishing at the rim.

“I feel like we’re the best backcourt in the ACC,” said Mintz. “Just feeding off each other’s energy … we both play differently but we’re similar in ways and I think it’s tough for people to guard us especially when we expose matchups.” 

The victory for Syracuse marked a significant milestone, as it snapped a 16-game losing streak against AP Top 10 teams, with their last triumph against such a formidable opponent dating back to a 95-91 overtime win over Duke in 2019.

North Carolina, on the other hand, struggled to contain Syracuse’s offensive firepower, as the Tar Heels endured their third loss in five games. Despite efforts from Caleb Love, who led North Carolina with 19 points, along with contributions from Cormac Ryan (18 points) and Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram (14 points each), the Tar Heels fell short against one of Syracuse’s best offensive displays this season. 

JJ Starling hyping up Judah Mintz as Syracuse goes on a run.

North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis commended the effort of the Orange, stating the team made big plays when they needed to. 

 “We didn’t play well enough to win, we’ve just got to get better. They shot 63% from the field. Very few teams in the country you can beat, especially on the road when they shoot that well. You have to compliment Syracuse. They stepped up and made big plays and big shots,” said Davis. 

Syracuse’s victory was sealed in crunch time as they capitalized on foul shots to secure the seven-point win. The loss for North Carolina marks their third in the past five games.

JJ Starling after hitting a bank shot three.

“This game shows that we’re mentally strong and that we’re growing with each other,” said Starling. “We’ve been going through a lot on the court, off the court but we didn’t let that deter us from our goal.” 

Next up, the Orange (7-7)  will face Georgia Tech (3-11) in McCamish Pavilion on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. 

From the Walls of Newhouse to Greatness

Saturday, February 24, 8:30am The Herg

Learning that began within the walls of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and continued to a career that was launched in Syracuse, Mike Tirico defines greatness in broadcasting. 

Tirico, who graduated from Newhouse in 1988, had already been working professionally in Syracuse when he donned his cap and gown. Mike was the sports director at WTVH-TV also served as the play-by-play voice for Syracuse University basketball, football, lacrosse and volleyball. 

From 1987 to 1991 Tirico worked in Syracuse, telling the story of the Orange and the robust local sports scene. In ’91, Tirico made the jump to ESPN where he began serving as a SportsCenter anchor and later as host of Monday Night Countdown. ESPN was solidifying its role as the center of the sports universe and Tirico was part of the foundation.

In his time at ESPN, Tirico anchored ESPN’s college football studio show, was a golf host for ABC Sports and called NBA games on ABC, ESPN and ESPN radio. Mike hosted SportsCenter coverage of the U.S. Open, the Masters and the Daytona 500 and anchored coverage of the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and NFL Draft for both television and radio. 

After 25 years at ESPN/ABC (1991-2016), Tirico made the move to NBC, where he began to lead events including Monday Night Football, The Open, The Masters, NBA, college football, college basketball, the FIFA World Cup, and NBC’s coverage of tennis with the U.S. Open and Wimbledon. 

In 2017 Tirico was not slowing down as he was named the full-time lead play-by-play voice of NBC Sports’ Notre Dame Football coverage in August. That spring Tirico made he debut as the host of NBC’s Triple Crown horse racing for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. In that same year, Tirico became NBC’s play-by-play voice for Thursday Night Football. Tirico is one of only four announcers to work primetime NFL games for at least 10 seasons.

In 2018, Tirico was named studio host for Football Night in America, the show that leads into Sunday Night Football. He then went on to host NBC Sports’ inaugural coverage of the Indianapolis 500. Earlier in that same month he called play-by-play for his first-ever NHL game. Though he had previously hosted the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, 2019 NHL Winter Classic and 2019 NHL All-Star Game this was his first time on the game call. In 2022, Tirico not only hosted his third Olympics for NBC , he also hosted the Super Bowl LVI Pregame Show from SoFi Stadium.

In 2022 Tirico won an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host. This award came after a year in which he anchored the Tokyo Olympics in primetime, the Super Bowl LVI Pregame Show, Football Night in America, horse racing’s Triple Crown, golf’s U.S. Open and the Indianapolis 500.

Mike Tirico has truly done it all, and you can learn from him on Saturday, February 24 as he shares how he took his years inside the walls of Newhouse and created an outstanding career.

The event is ticketed. Tickets will be available in the Newhouse Sports Media Center, starting Monday, February 19. The Newhouse Sports Media Center is open for tickets from 10 to 4 daily, one ticket per SUID, you will be required to pick up your own ticket and provide your email address, no holds or reservations. For accommodations, please contact Mylinda Smith, msmith@syr.edu.

Men’s Basketball Falls to Clemson Despite Late Comeback

In a hard-fought battle, the men’s basketball team fell short to Clemson 77-68 despite a second-half rally inside the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday afternoon.

SU found themselves in 31-16  hole early in the first half. Despite finding openings, the basket proved elusive for the Orange, who shot below 30% compared to Clemson’s 57% from the field.

Sophomore guard, Chris Bell locked into the game. – Patrick Smith 2024

Chris Bell, a key scorer for the Orange, struggled to find his rhythm until 2:48 left in the first half. It was sophomore Judah Mintz who, was a majority of the offensive production to start the contest, encouraged Bell, seen saying “shoot it”. Responding to Mintz’s encouragement, Bell managed to convert his first three-pointer en route to a 16-point performance.

“Judah always tells me to keep shooting the ball, and sometimes I hesitate. So that definitely helps with my confidence for sure,” said Bell.

Former Syracuse guard, Joe Girard III matched up against his former teammate, Judah Mintz. – Patrick Smith 2024

The game marked a homecoming for former Syracuse guard Joe Girard, who transferred to Clemson after four seasons with the Orange. Despite the warmth of seeing his family in the stands at his alma mater, Girard faced a mixture of boos and cheers from the crowd for much of the game.

“You never imagine you’re going to come back to where you played for four years… but coming back and getting a win was fun,” said Girard. 

Girard led all scorers for the Tigers with 18 points in his return to Syracuse, shooting a crowd silencing 5-6 from the field, including 4-5 from beyond the arc.

Sophomore guard, JJ Starling hits a three over Chase Hunter of Clemson. – Patrick Smith 2024

Rebounding and turnovers were pivotal factors entering the game. Clemson outrebounded Syracuse 41-24, although the Syracuse defense did manage to force 21 Clemson turnovers. However, Syracuse’s offensive struggles persisted for the majority of the game, and while they staged a comeback, defensive lapses came a bit too late.

“Our last four minutes, when we battled so well to get back in, our discipline on both sides of the game was not there,” said head coach Adrian Autry.

Tying with Bell for 16 points in the contest, sophomore JJ Starling voiced his frustration, feeling that the team’s execution faltered when it mattered most.

“We stopped doing what got us back into the game and weren’t disciplined,” said Starling. “That loss was entirely on us and our mistakes.”

The Orange will wrap up their three-game home stretch against #3 North Carolina on Tuesday in the Dome. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

Syracuse Women’s Basketball Knocks off #15 Louisville in ACC Matchup Thriller


Syracuse Women’s basketball team defeats Louisville University in JMA Wireless Dome on 11 Feb. 2024. (NewsHouse Photo by Jurnee Peltier)

The Syracuse women’s basketball team faced 15th ranked Louisville in the JMA Wireless Dome on Sunday. The Orange were looking for revenge as they faced the Cardinals 11 days ago and lost by 12 points. 

The Cardinals led most of the game but fell short in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Syracuse was having trouble finishing their shots and Louisville was capitalizing on, but it was the Orange’s defense that led them to victory. 

Louisville shot 65% from the field in the first quarter and they did not miss on the line. The Cardinals were 23-24 on free throws. By the end of the game the Cardinals ended up at 40% with field goals. 

The defense stepped up in today’s matchup as the Orange had 12 blocks. Six of those blocks were from freshman Alyssa Latham. Coming off the bench, Latham has been a key player that rises to the occasion and changes the monument when needed. 

The two staple pieces Dyaisha Fair and Georgie Wooley continued to be the backbone of this team. Fair had 29 points and Wooley recorded 14. Nyla Harris led the Cardinals with 22 points. 

An intentional foul was called on Olivia Cochran which gave Dyaisha Fair two opportunities at the free throw line. Fair made both which sealed the deal for the Orange with two seconds remaining. 

Syracuse Women’s basketball team defeats Louisville University in JMA Wireless Dome on 11 Feb. 2024. (NewsHouse Photo by Jurnee Peltier)

Fair said it felt like she was the only one in the Dome. 

“Of course everyone was cheering,” she said. “For me it was tunnel vision. I didn’t see or hear anyone although Coach was telling my dad to be quiet on the sideline. It was just a locked in moment. My team is counting on me, I’m counting on me, and it was time to come through.”

Felisha Legget-Jack said she is grateful to be a part of this program. 

“I am so blessed and lucky to be a part of this institution,” she said. “I want to fight everyday to make everyone that’s connected to this University proud.” 

Syracuse will travel down to Coral Gables on Thursday to face Miami. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

Rising Tides and Quiet Storms: Ashton Sylve and Julian Smith’s Triumphant Victories

ORLANDO, FL – February 2, 2024 –The Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) event, Most Valuable Prospects V, delivered two distinctive battles. The headline bout featured the meteoric rise of Ashton “H2O” Sylve, while the co-main event showcased Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith’s awe-inspiring journey.

H2O Sylve: A Rising Star’s Victory

Ashton “H2O” Sylve facing Estivan “Tunny” Falcao of Most Valuable Prospects V main event. Photos by: Patricia Duong

In the headlining fight, 20-year-old prodigy H2O Sylve squared off against the experienced Estivan “Tunny” Falcao for the WBC Youth World Championship. Sylve, paying homage to The Waterboy, Bobby Boucher, showcased a level of skill and maturity that belied his age.

The bout lasted ten rounds for the first time in Sylve’s career. Despite Falcao’s strong start, Sylve’s power and agility dominated the ring, finishing in a jaw-dropping right cross that sent Falcao to the canvas in the tenth round. In a post-fight in-ring interview, Sylve spoke of the discipline and hard work that allowed him to push through ten rounds. The unanimous decision victory (100-89, 99-90 x2) solidified Sylve’s status as the hottest prospect in boxing.

Falcao attempting to match Sylve’s power. Photo by: Patricia Duong

What elevated this performance was the emotional celebration that followed. Sylve, not only a champion in the ring but a new father, shared a heartwarming moment with his family and newborn son, Seven. In a post-fight in-ring interview, Sylve spoke of the discipline and hard work that allowed him to push through ten rounds.

Julian Smith: The Quiet Storm Rises

Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith facing off against Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez. Photo by: Patricia Duong

Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith went up against Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez in the co-main event for the super lightweight WBA International Title. Smith, a deaf Golden Gloves Champion, was considered an underdog as he was facing the undefeated Cuban prospect.

Smith delivered an impressive performance right from the start. He knocked down Velazquez in the first round with a powerful one-two combination. Smith showed incredible resilience and determination throughout the match, scoring four knockdowns, including a double knockdown in the ninth round. As the match progressed towards the final rounds, Smith displayed his energy and confidence by taunting Velazquez with a shimmy and flashing peek-a-boo between punches.

The Quiet Storm taunting El Tsunami in the ring. Photo by: Patricia Duong

The defining moment in the match between El Tsunami and Smith came when El Tsunami’s corner declared him unable to continue. This led to a TKO victory for Smith. The emotional impact of the victory was evident as Smith fell to his knees in the ring upon hearing the decision. With this win, Smith became the new WBA International champion.

In the post-fight interview, Smith’s words resonated through the arena, “A deaf person CAN make it happen,” he said. The emotional celebration continued as Smith shared a touching moment with his mother, displaying the importance of support in overcoming challenges.

Orange Win Thriller, Showcase Their Depth

On Thursday night the Syracuse Orange rallied from behind to take down Georgia Tech 62-59 in a hard-fought ACC battle.

It was Izabel Varejao’s first game back on the court. Fittingly, it was the front-court that won it for the Orange.

In a game that would come down to the final shot (twice), the Orange prevailed. Coach Felisha Legette-Jack praised her teams resiliency, and that they were, as Syracuse was forced to rally from as much as an 8 point deficit in the first half of play to pull out their 19th victory on the season.

The start was rocky, as Dyaisha Fair struggled to find her range (something she usually finds quite quickly), finishing only 2-8 from behind the arc on the night. This combined with 4-9 three-point shooting from Georgia Tech in the first half saw the Yellow Jackets take a 31-28 lead into the halftime break.

But Varejao, in her first game back, just wouldn’t let her team lose. She dropped 13 points and 7 rebounds on the night while coming off the bench for the Orange, as the frontcourt as a whole shouldered the load, scoring 34 of the Oranges 62 points.

Izabel Varejao shoots a jumper over Georgia Tech forward Kayla Blackshear during Syracuse’s win over Georgia Tech – Patrick Smith 2024

The game would eventually come down to the final possession for the Yellow Jackets, who, after a pair of missed free throws by the Orange, had two solid looks at 3s to tie it. Both missed the mark though, as Syracuse secured the comeback victory.

This game was huge for Syracuse in ways that go well beyond the box score. If the Orange want to make a deep run in March Madness this year, they’ll need to be able to win games like this. What do I mean by games like this? Games where Dyaisha Fair doesn’t score her usual 21-4-3. Games where other players have to step to center stage, and step there in a way which will continue to build the belief coach Jack already has in her squad.

It felt like the Orange needed this win, and they got it… and that’s what college basketball is all about in February and March. It doesn’t have to be pretty, it doesn’t even have to be convincing, but it has to be a W, and that it was.

Chris Bell Sets New Career High as Syracuse Gets Back to .500 in ACC Play

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – After an emotional couple of days, Syracuse men’s basketball used great shooting from three and a goaltending call to eek out a 94-92 win over Louisville. The Orange used the fastbreak to score 33 points. 

Chris Bell put on a show for the home fans going 8-10 from three and scoring a career high 30 points. He did not miss from three after his third attempt at the 12:05 mark of the first half. However, his biggest play of the game came on a game saving block that would have tied the score with less than 20 seconds left.

“Huge. Game Changing. Chris got back and made a great rundown block. He was frustrated, we both were frustrated cause I thought he left a couple of rebounds out there early in the game. But to be able to run back and this is something that we really have kind of stressed the last couple of days is really trying to get back in transition and I just thought he made a huge block,” said coach Autry. 

It was a back-and-forth affair with 18 lead changes. The largest lead of the night for either team was 7 as Louisville jumped out to an early lead.

Louisville dominated the boards grabbing 19 more than Syracuse which led to 23 second chance points. In the second half Brandon Huntley-Hatfield grabbed 10 rebounds compared to the Orange securing only 11 as a team. 

The final two minutes of the game was pure chaos with Skyy Clark hitting a big three that was immediately answered by a Chris Bell three with 37 seconds left. After a Judah Mintz turnover with 20 seconds left, Bell sprinted back and made the play of the game, blocking Skyy Clark’s layup. Syracuse had to make clutch free throws down the stretch going 6-8 from the charity stripe.

With five seconds left Clark got the inbound pass and drilled an off-balanced three to tie it up at 92-92. But a heads up play from Judah Mintz who inbounded it quickly up court to Quadir Copeland led to a controversial goaltending call and gave Syracuse the 94-92 win.

With the win Syracuse improved to 15-6 and 5-5 in ACC play. The Orange will be back in action on Saturday at the dome against Clemson and the returning Joe Girard III. Tip-off is scheduled for noon. 

GALLERY: Syracuse Suffers First Home Loss of the Season in Crushing Defeat to Virginia Tech