SYRACUSE, N.Y- With the last home game in the JMA Wireless Dome for the season, and also senior night, Syracuse balled out and showed up to protect their home court. The Orange ended their regular season with a win Saturday night against Virginia 84-70.
After coming off of two road losses against Virginia Tech and SMU, it was crucial for the orange to end on a high note in their own territory.
Graduate forward Eddie Lampkin Jr. came out the gates hot with high intensity putting his number on the board. Lampkin Jr. had Syracuses eight of twelve points, just seven minutes into the game. There’s a reason he calls himself “the biggest” and the numbers surely do back that up. He ended the night as the leading scorer with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
“Big guys that can dribble and pass are typically the most challenging in college ball, it was difficult to guard him. We tried the best we could,” said UVA Head Coach Ron Sanchez.
Although a couple turnovers presented itself early into the game, the dominance was felt from Syracuses side with their effective passing skills resulting to a 59.6 % shooting from the field. In this game the offense was solid, but the defense is what really kept Syracuse ahead allowing such big point gaps.
“The first half was probably the best defense we have played all year,” said Head Coach Adrian Autry.
Syracuse ended their regular season record 13-18.
Next stop for the team is gearing up to take on the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina. The fight is still on for the orange.