Syracuse gets over the hump, knocks off #13 Tennessee

Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse Orange took down their first ranked opponent of the year in front of a thrilling home crowd last night.

Syracuse players congratulate each other after a play against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. ©Kayla Edelin

This was a much-needed win after going 0-3 against ranked opponents in the Las Vegas Players Era tournament.

Head coach Adrian Autry addressed Orange Nation in how deserving they are of a win like this.

“I was just so happy and thrilled for this team and for our fans, they deserve one like this, we got to enjoy this and then get ready and keep moving, but we’re going to enjoy this.”

Redshirt senior Nate Kingz went off in the first half for his season-high 19 points to help give the Orange a two-point lead going into the half. He finished with 19.

Syracuse guard Nate Kingz (4) shoots a jump shot against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. ©Kayla Edelin

Autry credits Kingz for his first half performance but highlighted his defensive performance as well.

“Offensively he played phenomenal in the first half but the defensive job he did on Gillespie who I think is one of the best point guards in the country, to be able to make him work for everything he had today was also exceptional.”

Syracuse guard JJ Starling #2 drives the ball up court against Tennessee, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Syracuse, N.Y. ©Kayla Edelin

As for returning guard JJ Starling, he came alive in the second half scoring 11 of his 12 points after the break including key buckets that pushed the Orange ahead as time dwindled.

Starling scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half. Autry said that’s the kind of leader JJ is.

“That’s what he can do,” Autry said. “Just so proud of him… to show the growth of his game, especially defensively.. I thought he was phenomenal.”

Autry gave no timeline on the return of leading scorer Donnie Freeman, who has been out with a lower body injury, saying his status remains day-to-day.