Syracuse slips by Colgate, Improves to 2-0 on Military Appreciation Night

SYRACUSE, NY -The Orange men’s basketball team survived another razor-thin contest at the JMA Wireless Dome Tuesday, defeating Colgate 74-72.

Orange center Eddie Lampkin Jr. led with 15 points, shooting 50% from the field including a big man 3-pointer, and 12 rebounds on the night. Meanwhile, starting guard JJ Starling scored 12 points – fouling out with 1:30 remaining in the game.

Syracuse, off the blocks quickly following a slim three-point lead at halftime, building a 13-point lead only for Colgate to pull within 1 with 9:50 remaining.

Orange defenders seemed to stand still in the face of speedy Colgate guard Jalen Cox – who made several dashes past any semblance of Syracuse defense for six points, in just over two minutes of play, late in the second half.

Three of the four missed Orange free throws in the game occurred in the last 18 seconds of play. Colgate took possession with just 4 seconds remaining, but starting guard Nicolas Louis-Jacques slipped in the corner while Orange fans watched the ball dribble out of bounds after time expired.

Since Colgate snapped a six-decade Orange winning streak in 2021, the teams are tied 2-2 with Syracuse victories combining for six points.

A close game on Military Appreciation Night at the Dome led Coach Adrian Autry to plant his flag early this season, kicking off his post-game press conference in a spirited mood.

“We are playing at a higher pace than people have seen in a long time here,” Autry said. “And talk about this – 45 rebounds – we haven’t had 45 rebounds in a long time.”

Autry identified two issues for his Orange team going forward, including allowing too many points in transition and a lack of production on offensive rebounds, but commended his team’s perseverance.

“This team had complete composure,” Autry said. “This is a good team, it’s a new team.”

The Orange face Youngstown State on Saturday at the Dome with a 1 p.m. tipoff and on ACC Network Extra.