Syracuse falls to Georgetown 75-71 in their 100th meeting of all time.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A rivalry that has transcended players, coaches, and conferences added a new chapter Saturday with a taste of the old ones, when Georgetown beat Syracuse, 75-71.

Headed to halftime tied at 37, Georgetown made defensive adjustments that caused problems for Syracuse. Up two, the Orange missed their last six field goal attempts over the final 4:12.

Syracuse’s Donnie Freeman guards Georgetown’s Drew Fielder. Georgetown beat Syracuse, 75-71. Photo credit: Dan Kekis

“The change in defenses was something that we definitely wanted to do,” said Georgetown’s Ed Cooley. “Ironically, to a zone. To a zone. Here at the ‘Cuse. Interesting. Interesting. I know Coach Boeheim was either clapping or cussing me out.”

For years, Syracuse relied on the 2-3 defensive zone. It led them to a 2003 National Championship, and multiple Final Four runs under Boeheim.

Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley shouts on the sideline, as he notches his first win ever against Syracuse as a head coach. Photo credit: Dan Kekis

“That’s what changed the game,” said Jaquan Carlos. “We struggled a little bit attacking the zone. We’re supposed to be looking down more. We were settling and not taking good looks.”

Syracuse’s Jaquan Carlos brings up the ball against Georgetown. He finished with 15 points hitting eight free throws. Photo credit: Dan Kekis

Georgetown’s Jayden Epps led all scorers with 27, shooting an efficient 11 of 15 from the field. Lampkin Jr. led the Orange with 18.

Syracuse continued to shoot poorly from three, shooting 4 of 16.

Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry talks to Eddie Lampkin Jr. on the sideline. Lampkin Jr. led all Orange scorers with 18 points. Photo credit: Dan Kekis

“We didn’t make the shots that we needed to make that we normally make,” said Autry. “If we make a couple of those that’s the difference in the game.”

In the all-time series dating back to 1930, Syracuse still leads 54-46.

Syracuse will return to Brooklyn to face Maryland in the Gotham Classic on Saturday, December 21st at noon.