Syracuse Still Undefeated, Outlasts Youngstown State in Double Overtime 104-95

SYRACUSE, N.Y. –– The Syracuse men’s basketball team improved to 3-0 with a 104-95 double overtime win over Youngstown State at the JMA Wireless Dome in their first-ever meeting on Saturday, Nov. 16.

The Orange struggled in the first half, shooting 12 of 34 from the field and 1 of 13 from behind the arc.

The Penguins led for 18 of the first 20 minutes, shot 50% from the field, and outscored Syracuse 38-31 in the first half.

Early in the second half, the Orange went on a 13-4 run to tie the game at 46. Syracuse finished the half shooting 58% from the field and 50% from three. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch, ending regulation tied at 73.

It took two overtimes to determine a winner. After the first overtime, the score was tied at 86. The game had 17 lead changes and the same number of tied scores. The Orange shot 73% from the field in overtime.

Syracuse junior guard J.J. Starling scored a career-high 38 points and played nearly 50 minutes. He shot 14 of 23 from the field.

Starling said it started with his teammates.

“They were telling me to just keep going. These are my brothers, and they fed me the confidence that I needed to step up big time,” Starling said.

Syracuse junior guard J.J. Starling is setting up the offense for the Orange. Photo credit: Alec Rider

Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said Starling played a pivotal role in securing the victory.

“That’s the J.J. Starling we know. And again, he’s the guy for us. He’s important to us. And he was big-time. What a game for him,” Autry said.

Eddie Lampkin, the grad transfer from Colorado, finished the game with a double-double. He scored 20 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and shot 8 of 10 from the field.

Lampkin said the win sets the tone moving forward.

“We got grit. It shows we know how to fight, and we are not gonna quit,” Lampkin said.

Syracuse center Eddie Lampkin is being guarded by Youngstown State guard Nico Galette. Photo credit: Alec Rider

Syracuse freshman forward Donnie Freeman also finished with a double-double, shooting 8 of 13 from the field. He had 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The Syracuse Orange will travel to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Thursday, Nov. 21, for the Legends Classic, where they will take on the University of Texas at 7 p.m.