Syracuse, NY – After Autry and the Orange’s tough 27-point loss to Maryland, Syracuse needed to close out its nonconference schedule with a win against Bucknell.
“How we came out the last game at first Maryland in Brooklyn, that was just pathetic. It wasn’t us,” said Jaquan Carlos. “That was all on us and today we kind of showed that this is what Syracuse Basketball is about.”
With a 75-63 win over Bucknell, the Orange improved to 6-6, putting their total nonconference wins at six this season.
Syracuse held a 12-point lead going into the second half, shooting 50% on three-pointers. In the first half, Lucas Taylor scored three of the Orange’s six three-pointers. However, those three-pointers did not continue to fall in the second half, with the team making just one.
“Just battle, just us going out there and competing, playing through and playing hard,” said Coach Autry. “The energy level was the way it needed to be, it wasn’t perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
That energy carried the Orange through the game, as Eddie Lampkin was effective off the glass with seven rebounds and six points in the second half. Kyle Cuffe also gave life to the offense, posting seven points to extend the Orange’s lead and secure the win heading into conference play.
The Orange play again at the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday, December 31st, taking on Wake Forest. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.