‘Canes heat up the Dome, Orange falls 85-76

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Orange fans were left standing for almost four minutes at the start of their Blizzard matchup against the visiting Miami Hurricanes. The ‘Canes brought the heat, starting off hot with a nine-point run against the Orange.

The rest of the first half left much to be desired for both fans and the team.

In the first half, the team went just 14-of-31 for field goals. Seven players scored including Sadiq White and Kiyan Anthony off the bench.

With 4:05 remaining, Anthony reminded fans why the Dome is called “The Loud House” slamming down a dunk from a steal on the other end. Fans were brought to their feet, celebrating the freshman’s first career dunk and the score-tying points that came with it. The Canes led 41-36 at the end of the first half.

Sophomore Forward Donnie Freeman had 14 points in 32 minutes in just his sixth game back since a lower-body injury forced him to miss none games.

The second half saw Syracuse improve their shooting, increasing their field-goal percentage by 8%, chipping away at Miami’s lead.

Despite pulling within 4 points, a missed dunk by point-guard JJ Starling shifted momentum, and Miami extended its lead back to seven. Syracuse couldn’t respond and the Hurricanes held on for the win.

Though “makes and misses are a part of the game,” head coach Adrian Autry said the team lacked a sense of urgency, specifically in transitions.

The Orange are back in the Dome next Saturday against Notre Dame.