Syracuse Men’s Basketball Closes Out the 2024 Year With a Loss to Wake Forest

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Syracuse men’s basketball was tripped up at home in the final game of 2024 vs Wake Forest, losing 81-71. This loss is the first at the JMA Wireless Dome for the Orange on the season.

 The visiting Demon Deacons came out red hot while the Orange were ice cold to start. Wake Forest went up 16-2 just four minutes into the game. This prompted Syracuse Head Coach Adrian Autry to go to his bench with his team in a big hole. 

“We were down 16-2, and it’s been a trend that we’ve been down,” Coach Autry said in response to going to the bench early.

Kyle Cuffe Jr. gets fouled while driving to the basket. Photo Credits: Samantha Barlow

This move thrusted Kyle Cuffe Jr. into more minutes than he had seen all year long, playing 36 minutes for the game. Cuffe was the spark that the Orange needed in the first half. He had 14 points and was very aggressive getting to the line nine times in the first half.

Syracuse was able to slowly work their way back into the game throughout the first half, as they cut the lead to two points, trailing just 36-34 after 20 minutes of play.

Kyle Cuffe Jr. drives to the basket trying to get around a Wake Forest defender. Photo Credits: Samantha Barlow

The Orange kept it close in the second half, even taking a six point lead at one point, but Wake Forest was too much for Syracuse to overcome. 

Lucas Taylor attempts a layup around two Wake Forest defenders. Photo Credits: Samantha Barlow

Turnovers hurt the Orange throughout the game, losing the ball 18 times compared to just 11 for Wake Forest.

“We shot ourselves in the foot,” coach Autry said. 

Syracuse returns to the floor for their first game of 2025 on January 4th at Florida State.