Syracuse strengthen ACC Tournament hopes in win over NC State

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – In a crucial game for the race to the ACC Tournament, the Syracuse Orange prevailed against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in dominant fashion 74-60 Wednesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome.

Chris Bell gathers the ball in front of NC State’s Marcus Hill for Syracuse Men’s Basketball against NC State in the JMA Wireless Dome on February 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Zach Card

“I’m very, very proud of this group,” said Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry. “They have no quitting.”

After three consecutive losses and more than one week’s rest, the Orange needed to get back on track to have a chance at a postseason run and they did just that as they led from the opening tip.

Graduate student forward Eddie Lampkin Jr. set the tone early offensively and defensively as the Orange got out to a 13-3 lead in the first six minutes. Lampkin Jr. recorded his 12th double-double on the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

“I’ve been saying we’ve been needing to play 40 minutes and that’s what we did tonight,” Lampkin Jr. said.

Eddie Lampkin Jr.’s jersey is ripped at the end of the Syracuse Men’s Basketball game against NC State in the JMA Wireless Dome on February 26, 2025. (Left: Ben Middlebrooks; Right: Eddie Lampkin Jr.) Photo Credit: Zach Card

Syracuse crashed the paint early and often offensively forcing Wolfpack senior forward Ben Middlebrooks into foul trouble.

The Orange defense stalemated NC State inside and forced the Wolfpack to settle for threes. This defensive game plan and effort led NC State to shoot 34% from the field and 30% from three.

On the other hand, Syracuse shot 58% from the field and 38% from three. This proved too much for the Wolfpack to overcome as junior guard JJ Starling scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half.

JJ Starling dribbles against NC State Freshman Paul McNeil for Syracuse Men’s Basketball against NC State in the JMA Wireless Dome on February 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Zach Card

With this victory, Syracuse improves to 12-16 overall and 6-11 in the ACC.

Up next for the Orange is a Saturday road matchup against Virginia Tech as Syracuse will look to climb the ACC standings before the end of the regular season.