Freeman scores 24 points off bench to lead Syracuse over UAlbany

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –- After failing to make a single three-pointer in its previous game, Syracuse was in need to for anyone to step up and show some consistency behind the line. Last night, Donnie Freeman showed he could be that reliable shooter.


Freeman shot a perfect 4-4 behind the three-point line and put together one of his best offensive performances in a Syracuse uniform. Despite not starting, Freeman led the Orange with 24 points and recorded eight rebounds as Syracuse got its largest win of the season 102-85 over UAlbany on Tuesday.


Head coach Adrian Autry confirmed Freeman “wasn’t feeling well” and was a game-time decision before the tip-off.

The freshman forward entered the game at the 14:38 mark in the first half and quickly dunked for his first two points to spark an 8-0 Syracuse run that led the team to a 47-34 halftime lead.


“[Donnie] has it in him,” Autry said. “Our team hasn’t made threes yet. But I thought that was the difference today to get at least six of them.”

Senior Jaquan Carlos drives against UAlbany. The Hofstra transfer has 19 assists in his last two games. Photo Credit: Mary Genrich


The Orange started the second half looking to put the game away. Freeman scored 18 points in the second half, and the Orange ran out to a 66-42 lead with 12 minutes left in the game.


“Whatever he has, he needs to keep that,” Autry chuckled after the game.

Freshman Elijah Moore, looking for a teammate on offense, started his first game of the season. Photo Credit: Mary Genrich


Jyare Davis took advantage of the Great Danes lack of size and finished with 15 points on a perfect 7-7 from the field. The Orange outscored the Great Danes in the paint 62-38. Meanwhile, Jaquan Carlos recorded 12 points and 12 assists, his first double-double of the season.


“It’s increased confidence and guys making shots,” Carlos said on his improved play. “We have been flowing better offensively now. Our coaches got the utmost confident in me and my teammates are confident in me.”

Junior Chris Bell, driving to the basket, scored 18 points and went 6-6 from the free-throw line. Photo Credit: Mary Genrich


Syracuse turns its attention to Saturday when it hosts former Big East rival Georgetown at 2:30 p.m. for the 100th match-up all-time between the two teams.