Newhouse Alum Kevin McNamara ’88 Receives Hall of Fame Call
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Longtime Providence Journal basketball writer and Newhouse alum, Kevin McNamara ’88, was one of seven reporters and columnists inducted into the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
McNamara is the second Rhode Islander and sixth New Englander inducted into the USBWA Hall of Fame, according to Rhode Island PBS. Bill Reynolds, who worked with McNamara at the Providence Journal, was inducted in 2020. The other inductees include Bob Ryan of the Boston Globe, who is a charter member, Jerry Radding of the Springfield Union News (2004), Charlie Pierce of the Boston Herald and Esquire (2018), and Lesley Visser of the Boston Globe, CBS, and ESPN (2023).
McNamara is a three-time Rhode Island Sportswriter of the Year, a two-time winner in the USBWA Best Writing contest, and a multi-winner in the Associated Press/New England Competition. He also has hosted the “Kevin Mc Sports Hour” show on WPRO radio in Providence, Rhode Island. On Apple Podcasts and Spotify, you can listen to “The 401 Podcast with Kevin McNamara.” McNamara launched a website called KevinMcSports.com, where you can see his published work. He also served as a contributor for the Basketball Times.
He started at the Providence Journal in 1988. McNamara spent his first two years at the paper covering high school sports and the University of Rhode Island basketball. He picked up the Providence College Friars men’s basketball beat for the 1990-1991 season and covered them until he was let go by the paper in 2020.
McNamara is the longest-tenured beat reporter in Big East Conference history. He has covered 34 Big East Tournaments and multiple NCAA men’s basketball Final Fours. McNamara also covered the New England Patriots’ Super Bowls, the Red Sox World Series Championships, and the NHL and NBA Finals.
McNamara told Rhode Island PBS that one of his favorite basketball memories includes his first Final Four in 1992 as a working media member in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He sat behind Duke’s bench. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad won back-to-back National Championships. The Blue Devils had Bobby Hurley and Christian Laettner, and they beat the Fab Five freshmen of the University of Michigan.
Another memory was the 1997 Elite Eight at the BJCC Coliseum in Birmingham, Alabama. The Providence Friars were one shot away from securing a spot in the Final Four for the first time since 1987. They lost in overtime to the eventual National Champions, the Arizona Wildcats.
Of interest to Syracuse Orange basketball fans, McNamara was a media member at the Syracuse–UConn 2009 Big East Tournament game. The Orange upset the Huskies in six overtimes at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 127-117.
McNamara received a call from USBWA president Stu Durando in January, who informed him about the news. The USBWA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 also includes John Clay of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Chuck Culpepper of the Washington Post, Al Featherston of the Durham Herald-Sun, Associated Press writer Doug Feinberg, Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and Milton Kent, who is a former writer of the Baltimore Sun.
McNamara and several other inductees were honored in April on the day of the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball National Championship game in San Antonio, Texas, between Florida and Houston. The awards luncheon took place at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk.
Ascending Sports Broadcaster Noah Eagle ’19 Returns to Alma Mater
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Six years after graduating, sports broadcaster Noah Eagle ’19 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Friday, May 2, to share how he went from calling Syracuse games to covering Super Bowls, the Olympics, and the NFL’s debut on Netflix.
Eagle has been a rising star in the sports broadcasting industry since graduating from Newhouse. While at Syracuse, he broadcast various sports, including basketball, football, and lacrosse.
Eagle auditioned for the Los Angeles Clippers’ TV play-by-play job a month before graduation but did not get the position. The organization offered him the opportunity to be the new radio play-by-play voice for the Clippers for the 2019-2020 season.
Eagle said the hardest job to get is the first one.
“Once you get the first job, it’s like dominoes; that first domino falls, and the rest of them just kind of circle around,” Eagle said.
Eagle received the opportunity to cover 3×3 basketball for NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Since 2022, Eagle has broadcast preseason games for the Los Angeles Chargers on KCBS-TV with Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts.
He has called special National Football League (NFL) games with former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson for Nickelodeon. During the 2023 season, Eagle and Burleson called the Christmas Day game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The two teamed up again two months later for Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Eagle joined NBC Sports in 2023. NBC announced in February 2023 that he would be the play-by-play announcer for the Big Ten Saturday Night Football package and the Big Ten basketball package on Peacock.
He left the Clippers in September 2023 to join the YES Network as the alternate TV play-by-play announcer for his father, renowned broadcaster and Newhouse alum Ian Eagle ’90, and ESPN sportscaster Ryan Ruocco.
Eagle and veteran analyst Todd Blackledge broadcast the 2023 Wild Card game between the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Texans. The duo would return to the booth for the NFL’s first game in Brazil on Peacock when the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles during the first week of the 2024 season.
In the summer of 2024, Eagle served as the play-by-play voice of Team USA men’s and women’s basketball at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He worked with 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold medalist and three-time NBA Champion Dwayne Wade for the men’s games. Eagle teamed up with long-time WNBA and college basketball analyst LaChina Robinson for the women’s games. The United States men’s and women’s basketball teams beat France to capture the gold medal.
Eagle became the lead play-by-play announcer for the 2024 French Open tennis tournament on NBC Sports and Peacock. He worked alongside analysts Mary Carillo and John McEnroe, who teamed up in 1977 to win the mixed doubles title at the French Open. McEnroe won seven Grand Slam singles titles.
Eagle broadcast one of two NFL games on Christmas Day 2024 for Netflix this past season, the streaming service’s first NFL broadcasts. Ian Eagle broadcast the other game.
Noah Eagle won a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Personality/Emerging On Air in May 2024. NBC regained the broadcasting rights to the upcoming NBA season, and Eagle will be the No. 2 play-by-play voice, while Newhouse alum Mike Tirico ’88 will serve as the lead announcer.
After Eagle spoke about his career, Newhouse students had an opportunity to ask him questions about the industry. Some questions focused on networking and improving your craft on the air.
Eagle said it is essential for students to establish their network.
“I really just think it’s about establishing real relationships with people. And the more real relationship, genuine relationship you have with a person, the more willing they are probably to go to bat for you,” Eagle said.
Eagle said there are many ways for you to hone your craft as an announcer.
“This job is actually a job where you can track your own greatness and find that greatness,” Eagle said.
The Voice of the Orange and adjunct professor Matt Park hosted the event in The Mike Tirico Room in Room 250 of Newhouse 3.
Grad Student Geraldine Paglia G’25 Showcases Work on Whalers Documentary
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University Newhouse graduate student Geraldine Paglia G’25 answered questions on Thursday, Apr. 24, as students gathered to watch “The Whalers,” a documentary she helped produce as an undergraduate, and a project that inspired her path to graduate school.
Newhouse students gathered in The Mike Tirico Room in Room 250 of Newhouse 3. The film is about a former National Hockey League (NHL) team still near and dear to many Connecticut hockey fans.
The documentary focuses on the story of the former NHL franchise, the Hartford Whalers. The team played in the NHL from 1979 to 1997. The film discusses the team’s founding, hockey life in the Constitution State, and the decision to leave Hartford and relocate to Raleigh, North Carolina, to become the Carolina Hurricanes for the 1997-1998 season.
This documentary features never-before-seen footage and includes over 30 former players, coaches, staff members, and fans. Tal Pinchevsky and Pat Pickens co-directed the film. It is based on the 2021 book titled “The Whalers: The Rise, Fall, and Enduring Mystique of New England’s (Second) Greatest NHL Franchise,” which Pickens wrote.
Pickens has been a sportswriter covering professional sports for more than 15 years. The New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today, and NHL.com have all published his work.
Pickens said many former players enjoyed playing for the Whalers.
“Personally, I’d say that these people loved their time there, and they loved talking about their time there again because it was unique and because it was of a different era,” Pickens said.
Syracuse television, radio, and film professor, Jordan Kligerman, hosted a Q&A after the screening with Pickens and Syracuse broadcast and digital journalism (BDJ) graduate student Paglia.
Pickens and Paglia both earned bachelor’s degrees from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The School of Communications, Media, and the Arts at Sacred Heart financially backed the documentary.
Paglia loves hockey and was introduced to Pickens, who was in the process of creating the documentary at the time. Her passion for the sport and the industry prompted him to add her to the film crew.
At Sacred Heart University, Paglia started as a business major and worked on the documentary in her senior year. Working on the film was one of Paglia’s first big opportunities in production and broadcasting.
Paglia said that when she got involved, it was all hands on deck.
“I was traveling with them. I was helping them set up the camera shots. I even got to ask a couple of questions at the end. Just doing anything and everything that I could to help out,” Paglia said
Paglia said her favorite part was traveling with the crew to film the documentary.
Through this opportunity, Paglia accompanied Pickens and the rest of the crew to Whalers Night in Raleigh, North Carolina, the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, and to Florida, where some former players reside.
“We went to Florida; we went to North Carolina; we went to the draft; like we went to all different places. I think as an undergraduate, that’s not something you get to see that often. So it was super cool that I got to have such a large hand in this documentary,” Paglia said.
Paglia said talking to fans in North Carolina for Whalers Night was a unique experience.
“We were just in the parking lot, and I was having my camera, and I was running around, going out to people asking them what they had, like Whalers signs on them, or the logo. And it was just really cool that everyone had a different story,” Paglia said.
She credits her work as an associate producer as the reason she is at Syracuse, getting a master’s degree.
Some of the people interviewed for the documentary included Peter Good, the creator of the Hartford Whalers logo; Peter Karmanos, Jr., the principal owner of the Whalers and Hurricanes from 1994 to 2018; and former head coach Paul Maurice, who coached the Whalers and Hurricanes from 1995 to 2003.
Syracuse professor Olivia Stomski, the Director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center, said she was excited to host the documentary screening.
“The fact that one of our grad students, Geraldine, had such an important part in this film is really exciting for us. So we want to celebrate all of our students and their accomplishments,” Stomski said.
Stomski and Syracuse junior Riley Underwood were handing out movie-themed snacks to students. Underwood said students received a true movie theater experience in The Mike Tirico Room.
If you live in the Northeast, the documentary will air twice on NBC Sports Boston in May. It will also air on SNY for New York residents and has already been on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Homecoming for a Voice of Generations: Bob Costas ’74 Returns to Newhouse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas ’74 will return to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Wednesday, Apr. 16, to speak with students about his illustrious career in sports broadcasting and commentary.
Costas has hosted 12 Olympic Games, the Kentucky Derby, the U.S. Open Golf Championship, and HBO shows. He’s called games for the MLB, NFL, NBA, and college basketball and football.
The Newhouse Sports Media Center will host the event in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Room 140 of Newhouse 3.
Costas attended Newhouse and gained radio experience at WAER as a freshman. He also called minor league hockey games for the Syracuse Blazers of the Eastern Hockey League.
Costas began his professional career with KMOX radio in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1974. While at KMOX, Costas covered games for the Spirits of St. Louis of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and called Missouri Tigers basketball. He also co-hosted KMOX’s Open Line call-in program. From 1976 to 1979, he broadcast NFL games on CBS. During the 1979-1980 NBA season, Costas provided play-by-play for Chicago Bulls broadcasts on WGN-TV.
NBC hired Costas in 1980. He did play-by-play for NBA, NFL, and MLB games on NBC. He also anchored NBC’s pre- and post-game shows for NFL broadcasts, MLB All-Star Games, and numerous World Series.
Costas spent four decades with NBC. He was the Summer Olympics primetime host from 1992 to 2016 and the Winter Olympics primetime host from 2002 to 2014. Costas also hosted the NHL Winter Classic, the U.S. Open, Thursday Night Football, the NFL on NBC, and Thoroughbred Racing for NBC.
Costas has won many awards throughout his career. He is a 29-time Emmy Award winner. Costas is the only person in television history to win Emmys for sports, news, and entertainment. He is an eight-time National Sports Media Association National Sportscaster of the Year and a four-time American Sportscasters Association Sportscaster of the Year. Costas also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
In 1999, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame presented Costas with the Curt Gowdy Media Award. In 2017, the National Baseball Hall of Fame honored Costas with the Ford C. Frick Award. He was named a Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee in 2018.
Syracuse University has recognized Costas with three awards. In 2001, Costas won the George Arents Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. He received the Marty Glickman Award for Leadership in Sports Media in 2013 and was inducted into the WAER Hall of Fame in 2015.
Costas has been behind the mic for numerous unforgettable games in sports history. One of Costas’ most memorable broadcasts was in 1984 when he called the Saturday baseball Game of the Week for NBC. The game became known as “The Sandberg Game.” Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg hit home runs in the 9th and 10th innings against St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bruce Sutter to tie the game.
Costas contributed to the Ken Burns PBS miniseries Baseball in 1994 and called game six of the 1995 World Series when the Atlanta Braves won their first championship since moving to Atlanta in 1966. He also called Derek Jeter’s final game at Yankee Stadium for MLB Network in 2014.
Costas called Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson’s final game with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. Jordan hit the game-winner to give the Bulls an 87-86 lead with 5.2 seconds remaining in game six of the NBA Finals. Costas was also the pregame and postgame host for NBC for the 1994 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks, which included the O.J. Simpson car chase in Los Angeles that interrupted game five. Costas broadcast game seven of the 2000 Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trailblazers. Fans remember Kobe Bryant throwing an alley-oop pass to Shaquille O’Neal to give the Lakers a six-point lead with under a minute to play in regulation.
In the mid-1980s, he established the Robert Costas Scholarship at the Newhouse School, and sports broadcaster Mike Tirico was the first recipient in 1987.
Senior producer for NEP Group Mackenzie Pearce ‘21 talks with Newhouse students about her journey
Syracuse, NY – Mackenzie Pearce calls it the Girls’ Room. Pearce, the producer of NWSL on ION’s Saturday Night Soccer doubleheader wants her weekly production meetings with a coach or a player to feel like safe spaces.
“Those are the types of things that you want people to be really comfortable,” Pearce said. “Showing that you put in the work, and show that you did the research on them, they start to open up more. And I think that is really how you get to it, is putting in the research ahead of time.”
Pearce spoke with Newhouse students on Thursday evening in a session moderated by Professor Olivia Stomski, the director of the Newhouse Sports Media Center.
Pearce was one of the initial three students working for Newhouse’s ACC Network. She was a freshman with two seniors working under the direction of Professor Stomski.
“I was literally ready to transfer after my first semester,” Pearce said. “I found my own family and I think also it’s really special because you get to, I think it makes you a better person.”
Pearce started her career as a broadcast associate for MLB Network. She then got a job as a studio producer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pearce and her dad bonded over Steelers games as she was growing up, so the job was particularly meaningful to her.
Working for NEP producing NWSL games has been the perfect fit for her. She sees herself as a human-centered producer. Women’s soccer gives her the opportunity to tell stories that haven’t been told before, because there are less eyes on the sport.
Pearce sees being a woman in sports, particularly being a woman covering women’s sports, as an advantage.
“You understand what people want and not how to tokenize women in this sport and how to treat them as their own athletes,” Pearce said. “A lot of them have partners that play in other major leagues in this country and abroad. So I just think that giving them their flowers and not tying them to other people’s accomplishments is a really big part of it.”
Pearce still values the connections she made at Newhouse. Her classmates from Newhouse have a group chat to give each other advice and encouragement.
“Everyone’s opinion is valued and you can, you know, get your foot in the door pretty fast and, you know, learn from people who’ve already done it,” Pearce said. “I think it’s a really special thing that we have here.”
Little League World Series Residency Program Informational Session Recap
Brian McClintock and Kevin Fountain, representatives from Little League International, visited Newhouse to discuss an exciting summer residency program. This unique, six-week event-based communications experience is exclusively designed for Hampton University, Penn State, and Syracuse University students. The application window for individual/student placements opens on February 28 and will close at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025.
“The Little League is super proud to work with Syracuse University as well as Penn State and Hampton University to bring the Little League World Series and all of our Little League tournaments to life. This experience provides students with an immersive sports event experience. It’s unmatched and really gives them that practical work experience, while also supporting dreams of kids from around the world and bringing that to life,” said Brian McClintock.
Running from July 18 to August 24, 2025, the program offers both remote and on-site roles, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in video production, media relations, and in-game entertainment.
The first phase (July to mid-August) involves remote video highlight support, including tracking multiple games, organizing media assets, and working with partners like the MLB Network/ESPN.
The second phase (mid-August to August 24) takes place on-site in Williamsport, PA, where students will assist with in-game entertainment, scoreboard operations, sponsorship activations, public relations, and multimedia storytelling. Select students may also have opportunities at the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, NC.
This is a paid opportunity where housing and some meals will be provided upon arrival at the site. While travel expenses to and from Williamsport and/or Greenville are the student’s responsibility and won’t be covered by Little League International, transportation from any airport within a reasonable driving distance of Williamsport will be provided.
Residents will receive notifications in May regarding their selection for the program.
Students Interested in applying should visit LittleLeague.org/WSResidency to learn more!
SMU spoils Syracuse’s redemption tour decisively, advance to third round of ACC tournament play
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs (23-9, 13-7 ACC), spoiled the redemption tour for Syracuse (14-19, 7-13 ACC), crushing the Orange in a decisive 73-53 victory in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
While the Mustangs trailed in their first matchup against Syracuse for over 35 minutes, they led the Orange for over 26 minutes in this game, including the entire second half. Syracuse got off to the hot start they needed to, JJ Starling making his first three shots of the night. The Orange would make five of their first seven field goal attempts as a team, holding the lead for the first eight minutes of gameplay.
But SMU would respond, making four of their next five shots and holding Syracuse scoreless over a three-minute span, taking a 12-11 lead with 12:05 remaining in the first half. SU and SMU would go on to trade baskets & points at the free throw line for the next seven minutes, the lead changing hands five times in that span.
The Mustangs would then take the lead 22-21 over the Orange off a Chuck Harris triple, who scored 12 points on the night shooting 3-5 from beyond the arc. Once SMU took the lead, they did not let it go for the rest of the game, as things on offense and defense began to click for the Mustangs. They would pull out to their biggest lead of the night up to that point of nine points off two straight triples from Kario Oquendo, his only baskets of the evening in his 8-point performance.
The Orange would hang around before the break, responding to SMU’s triples with two of their own in back-to-back possessions from JJ Starling and Jyare Davis. SMU would lead Syracuse at the half 31-28.
The Orange started the second half sloppy on offense, going 0-5 from the field and committing four turnovers in the first five and a half minutes, including back-to-back turnovers from Starling. The Mustangs would go on a 10-0 run in that span, extending their lead over Syracuse 41-28.
Two quick baskets from Jyare Davis helped cut the SMU lead to eight with 14:00 left to play. However, after a tip-in by SMU’s Matt Cross on the ensuing possession, the Mustangs would retain their double digit lead the rest of the way. They heated up down the stretch, making their last seven shots of the game in route to a 73-53 victory over the Orange.
Syracuse had moments where their defense kept them in the game, forcing 15 SMU turnovers. However, the Mustangs’ defense was even more suffocating throughout the night. They would also force 15 turnovers and contest nearly every drive SU had to the basket, forcing seven missed layups from the Orange. Once SMU found their stride in the second half, they did not let go of their opportunity to pull away with the lead when given the chance.
“We were also aware that they had a game yesterday,” said SMU guard Chuck Harris, “and I think in the second half, we went up 10, and the guys kind of huddled up and just said, this is the time to put the foot on the gas and keep it that way. And we ended up running away with it at the end.”
The Mustang players praised Coach Andy Enfield for putting together an effective game plan to stop Eddie Lampkin. They were able to execute it, holding Lampkin to 5 points on 1-2 FG in the game.
Coach Enfield recognized SMU’s need to stop Lampkin, saying, “We double-teamed every time he touched the ball. He’s had an outstanding second half of the ACC season. He’s a very good player, and we certainly respect him. And so we try to get the ball out of his hands, make him pass. Forced him on our double-teams. I thought we did a great job of forcing some turnovers and deflections. We got a few steals on tipped balls and just tried to prevent him from getting a lot of shot attempts.”
Their defensive effort against Lampkin stifled Syracuse’s offense the whole game, which Coach Adrian Autry took note of following the loss.
“We couldn’t really get the ball inside to Eddie like we usually do, and he’s a big part of what we do,” said Coach Autry, “and when we can’t get the ball into him, we struggle.”
Despite Syracuse’s disappointing season coming to an end Wednesday night, there was high praise from the seniors, who really enjoyed their time in the Orange uniform.
“It’s an amazing school, amazing program. We’ve got a good coach, amazing teammates, and I’d just say it was a blessing. I wouldn’t want be nowhere else,” said Eddie Lampkin when asked to sum up his experience this season. “We didn’t play our best during the season, but these are my brothers I’ll remember for the rest of my life. We’ve got good relationships, and that’s all you can ask for. It’s Syracuse, so I loved it.”
Senior transfer Jaquan Carlos doubled down on the brotherhood, saying, “I feel like we didn’t play the way we wanted, but if I could do it all again, I wouldn’t choose nowhere else. Coach Red, we wanted to do it all for him,”
Carlos added, “We know all the pressure we’ve been handling all season. We’ve been doubted all year. Nobody really turned on each other, pointing fingers. We all tried to stick together and get it done. So the experience of being here just watching Syracuse growing up is always a dream and just being a part of it and saying that I could play with this name across my chest, was something very big, and I just tried to go my hardest every time.”
When asked about things Syracuse could build on for next season from the hardships of this season, Coach Autry declined to comment, stating, “To be able to kind of talk about it right now, I wouldn’t be able to give you a really good answer.”
As SMU’s season continues, the Mustangs are confident in their ability to knock off Clemson in the next round of play.
“Yeah, we played them before with one of our guys sitting down, and it was still a close game,” said SMU forward Keon Ambrose-Hylton, “So I feel like going into this game, we know what we need to work on. We know the things we need to fix. And now having our point guard back (Boopie Miller), it’s going to be a different ballgame, again, that we see coming to our side.”
Coach Enfield, however, does recognize the formidableness of their next opponent, sharing their need to play hard, especially with Boopie Miller back in the lineup.
“To be 18-2 in the league and not win the league is really amazing. But they deserve their ranking nationally. They’re very experienced, very physical,” said Coach Enfield, “We didn’t have Boopie when we played them at home, so hopefully, that will make a little bit of difference with our speed and play making. But we have to come out and play outstanding defense all night for 40 minutes to have a chance to beat them.”
The sixth-seeded SMU Mustangs will face the second-seeded and 10th ranked Clemson Tigers (26-5, 18-2 ACC), in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament. Tipoff is set to begin tonight at 9:30pm on ESPN2.
93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts
By Stacey Collier II
ROCHESTER, NY – On March 7th, 2025, the 93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts boxing event took place at the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York. The event featured a total of seven bouts, a presentation of donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and an awards ceremony at the end to crown the best fighters of the night. The fighters included both girls and boys, ranging from grades 7-12.
Historic Overview
The Aquinas Mission Bouts began in 1932 and is held every March. The Aquinas community each year gathers in the Wegman-Napier gym to watch students, who are amateur boxers, showcase their skills in a three-round bout. Currently, the program is led by boxing coach Dom Arioli, who has dedicated his time and teachings to the program for 45 years. Coach Arioli is also the owner of ROC Boxing & Fitness and a member of the Aquinas Institute Hall of Fame. His impact has drawn in the community and the likes of legendary heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Coach Interviews
Coach Arioli recalled the time he met Ali in Rochester in 1994. He said at dinner; Ali grabbed him by his collar and lifted him up. Then, Ali smiled at him and asked if he was the coach. After Coach Arioli said yes, Ali told him “Don’t screw it up”. That moment stuck with him throughout his career. When training fighters, Coach Arioli stated he wants them to be good people in the world and treat others with respect, along with working hard. As the Mission Bouts event approaches 100 years, Coach Arioli is optimistic the program can continue to be successful and hopes to attract more fighters. With concussions and other long-term health problems being a public concern, he wants everyone to know he prioritizes safety first and he welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of the program.
Coach Katia Chaban, also known as Coach Kat, was the scorekeeper of the event. She has been a part of the Aquinas Boxing Program for 17 years. As a former boxer, she was inspired by Coach Dom’s dedication to the program. She was introduced to Coach Dom while working as an amateur official. She went to practice and fell in love with Coach Dom’s regimen. Coach Kat says he is an incredible human being. Also, she cites community and a family environment as the source of the power of the boxing program. Many of the audience members were involved in the program as boxers and are related to the fighters who participated in this year’s event. She stated no other known tradition in the country has the longevity of Aquinas Mission Bouts Boxing.
Scott Pioli G’05 Reflects on Nearly Three-Decade Career in the NFL with Newhouse Students
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Former NFL executive and three-time Super Bowl champion Scott Pioli G’05 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Wednesday, Mar. 5, to address students about the evolution of the NFL, women’s sports, and the importance of inclusion in sports and media.
He discussed his career as an NFL executive and his current job as an NFL analyst with NFL Network and CBS Sports. Pioli wants to advance inclusion and gender equality in sports.
Pioli received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Connecticut State University in 1988. After graduation, he became a graduate assistant with the Syracuse football team. In 2005, he completed his master’s in television, radio, and film from Newhouse.
Pioli’s first NFL job came in 1992 when he served as the pro personnel assistant for the Cleveland Browns. At the time, Bill Belichick served as the Browns’ head coach. Pioli and Belichick would team up again in 1997 with the New York Jets. The Jets hired Pioli as their director of pro personnel, while Belichick was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. They would reunite in New England in 2000. Belichick became the head coach of the Patriots, and Pioli was named the assistant director of player personnel. Pioli became the director of player personnel for the Patriots in 2001 when they won their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Heading into 2002, Pioli was promoted to vice president of player personnel and served in that role until 2008.
The Kansas City Chiefs hired Pioli as general manager in 2009. He worked there for four seasons. Pioli became the assistant general manager for the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. The Falcons went to the Super Bowl in 2016, losing 34-28 to the Patriots in overtime after leading 28-3. Pioli spent five seasons in Atlanta.
Pioli worked in the NFL for 27 years, winning three Super Bowls with the Patriots (2001, 2003 & 2004). He is a five-time NFL executive of the year. Throughout his years in football, Pioli supported the development and training of female football coaches and scouts. He created a grant at the Women’s Sports Foundation and two others for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
He is a member of the board of trustees for the Women’s Sports Foundation and a member of the National Advisory Council for Women Leaders in Sports.
Pioli is an investor in the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Boston Unity Soccer Partners (BUSP). BUSP is an all-female ownership group that will bring an expansion team called BOS Nation FC to the NWSL in 2026.
Syracuse professor Olivia Stomski hosted the event in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Room 140 of Newhouse 3.
International Best-on-Best Hockey Returns, Setting the Stage for the 2026 Olympics and 2028 World Cup of Hockey
Boston, MA – For the first time since 2016, international best-on-best hockey has returned with the highly anticipated Four Nations Face-Off tournament. Taking the place of the traditional All-Star break, the tournament not only brings together the world’s top hockey talent but also serves as a preview of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the 2028 World Cup of Hockey.
“From being young kids and young hockey players with the hope and a dream to be an NHL to now being at this stage, there’s a lot of pride that comes with that and a lot of support,” said Canada forward Brad Marchand.
As the tournament shifted to Boston on Monday for the final stretch, Canada edged out Finland in a hard-fought 4-2 victory, with Sidney Crosby sealing the win with an empty-net goal. USA vs. Sweden followed, where Sweden pulled off a 2-1 upset. Thursday’s championship game, Canada vs. USA, had all the makings of a classic.
“It’s a Game 7, right?” said U.S. center Jack Eichel. “It’s for everything. You’re going to see desperate hockey. You’re going to see everything you saw in the first game and more, I imagine. It’ll be great.”
The championship became the second most-watched hockey broadcast ever on Sportsnet, averaging 5.7 million viewers. The atmosphere was electric.
“We’re here to celebrate a game. If after this game, all the little girls and boys out there are inspired by these players—if they go and become hockey players—that’s the real win,” said John Cooper ahead of the championship game.
The Four Nations Face-Off did more than crown a champion, it reignited the global passion for best-on-best international hockey. U.S. head coach Mike Sullivan reflected on the magnitude of the tournament.
“It’s so awesome from my standpoint. You know, I feel like I got the best seat in the house being behind the bench. Watching what these guys do on the ice, at the pace they’re able to do it—sometimes we just marvel at what goes on out there,” said Sullivan
With the 2026 Olympics and the 2028 World Cup of Hockey on the horizon, fans can expect more international-level competition, redefining the future of the sport on the world stage.
ESPN Producer Howard Chen ’02 Credits Newhouse for Launching Career
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – ESPN producer Howard Chen ’02 returned to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Friday, Feb. 28, to address students about his career and production job at ESPN, where he covers the NBA for the company’s international partners.
Chen graduated from Newhouse in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism (BDJ). He says his experiences at Newhouse helped him secure his first job as a sports reporter.
While at Syracuse, Chen aspired to be a sports broadcaster. He worked at WAER, Z89 radio, and UUTV (now Citrus TV). After his freshman year, Chen interned at Sports Radio 610 in Houston, Texas, where he learned how to write sportscasts. Over time, he shifted his focus to sports reporting and anchoring. After graduation, Chen landed a job at WHIZ-TV, the NBC station in Zanesville, Ohio, alongside two Syracuse students who graduated with him.
“[Newhouse is] giving you that foundation and that knowledge so that when you’re at a different level, you have all the tools in the world at the higher levels,” Chen said.
Chen said that numerous BDJ courses helped him become a better reporter.
“I think fundamentally, if you’re going into sports, you need to know how to be a journalist. It’s not just about the games. You just got to know how to tell a story,” Chen said.
Many years later, Chen worked for Comcast SportsNet Houston as a sideline reporter for the Houston Rockets and Astros.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he was one of the select few media members in the world inside the NBA bubble in Orlando, Florida.
Chen is now a producer for ESPN. He oversees coverage for ESPN’s China clientele, Tencent, where he produces for their NBA national broadcasts in China. Chen also helps with ESPN Australia and ESPN Netherlands.
Chen’s non-NBA work includes the idea of Tom Brady wishing Chinese fans a Happy Lunar New Year in Mandarin in 2017 and creating an instructional video for Brady to practice.
Syracuse Professor Olivia Stomski hosted the event in Room 102 in Newhouse 1.
Syracuse Sends Seniors Off with Dominant Win Over Boston College
Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Women’s Basketball (11-17, 6-12 ACC) capped off their regular season at home with a resounding victory over Boston College (15-15, 6-12 ACC) on Sunday evening, avenging an earlier season loss dominantly. Playing perhaps their best game of the year, the Orange led comfortably from start to finish, showcasing composure and confidence on the heels of their recent road win against Pittsburgh.
The Orange exploded out of the gate, building a 9-point lead in the first quarter and extending it to over 20 points by halftime, outscoring BC 45-20. Syracuse shot 46% from the field in the first half, holding BC to a frigid 25%. Seniors Kyra Wood and Georgia Woolley led the charge with 12 points apiece in the first half.
Syracuse carried their momentum into the second half and closed out strong. Three Syracuse players finished in double figures, Woolley 19, Sophie Burrows 16, and Wood 14.
The Orange ultimately dominated the stat sheet with 20 assists compared to BC’s 6. The Orange defense was on lock, forcing 21 turnovers and holding Boston College to just 32% shooting (20/62) overall.
With two minutes remaining, all five seniors re-entered the game to a standing ovation, receiving heartfelt embraces from the coaching staff as they exited the court. The final buzzer went off, and the Orange walked off the court with an 82-57 victory.
The team honored its six graduating seniors – Kyra Wood, Georgia Woolley, Izabel Varejao, Saniaa Wilson, Dominique Camp, and Lexi McNabb – as they walked through a tunnel of Syracuse fans with their friends and family.
Felisha Legette-Jack has recognized that this season has been full of ups and downs, but her ultimate goal has always stayed the same: developing her players as great basketball players and people.
“Help them become one percent better, sometimes that’s tough love, slamming the door in your face, sometimes it’s hugging them when they don’t want the hug, we went through all the gamuts of that, these ladies here,” said Coach Jack in the post conference.
The ladies closed out the season as best as possible with back-to-back wins. They shift their focus to prepare for the ACC tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, next week.
“What we’re growing here is a sisterhood, what were growing here is a family, it’s our family versus their team,” said Coach Jack. “..This is a personal vendetta that we have right now, on growing this thing differently than it was, and ultimately you will see nets cut down.”
Syracuse Women’s Basketball Falls Short Against No. 9 UNC Despite Second-Half Rally
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse women’s basketball returned to the JMA Wireless Dome after a tough trip to California, where they suffered losses to Stanford (79-58) and Cal (75-69). Despite a strong effort in the second half, the Orange fell short against No. 9 North Carolina, losing 68-58 on Thursday. This loss came down to two key factors, early turnovers and points allowed in the paint.
Turnovers Hurt Syracuse, But Defense Forces UNC Mistakes
Turnovers proved costly, particularly in the second quarter when the game started to slip away. With Syracuse trailing 17-16, the Orange had a chance to take the lead after a missed layup by UNC’s Reniya Kelly. However, a series of costly mistakes turned the momentum in UNC’s favor. Grace Townsend stole the ball and scored, and Syracuse followed up with two more turnovers on their next possessions, putting them down 22-19 late in the quarter.
“We will come together this week…we just have to execute what the game plan is,” Georgia Woolley said.
These self-inflicted mistakes continued to haunt the Orange throughout the game. By halftime, they had committed 11 turnovers, allowing UNC to capitalize with 12 points off those errors. The Tar Heels finished with 19 points off turnovers, which ultimately sealed the deal.
However, turnovers were an issue for UNC as well. Syracuse’s defense proved its ability to disrupt a top-10 team, forcing 15 second-half turnovers. The Orange converted those mistakes into 12 points as they fought back into the game. Syracuse finished the game with 20 total turnovers, the only other team to force over 20 on this UNC team this season was Duke.
Points in the paint
UNC dominated the paint, scoring 40 of their 68 points inside, including 15 on second-chance opportunities. In comparison, Syracuse managed just 20 points in the paint. Maria Gakdeng was a key force down low for the Tar Heels, contributing 14 points in the paint and finishing with a game-high 21 points, the most of any player on the roster.
“We talked about getting around coming to a full front and tracking the ball and we didn’t do it,” head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “We totally missed the game plan on this… and it’s unfortunate we didn’t make that adjustment.”
Freshman Talent Stepping Up
Freshman point guard Olivia Schmitt took on the challenge of battling back in the second half, maintaining her composure in a big way for this Orange team. Her three-pointers came at crucial moments, with just minutes to go in the third. After an assist from Izabel Varejão, Schmitt sank a three to cut the lead to nine. Less than a minute later, with another assist from freshman Madeline Potts, Schmitt hit another three, making it 48-40. Schmitt finished the game with three three-pointers and a total of nine points.
“All my threes were kind of wide open,” Schmitt said. “So, I knew I had to knock them down….when I come into the game, I have to make an impact, and that comes with making my shots.”
Aside from her scoring, her composure on the defensive end as a freshman against the No. 9 team did not go unnoticed. In the fourth quarter, she registered four steals, including one with 48 seconds remaining as the Orange tried to battle back.
Syracuse (10-16, 4-11 ACC) will travel to North Carolina to face Duke Feb 23 at 2 p.m.
Soccer Hall of Famer Alexi Lalas and Fox Sports Executive Ben Grossman Speak to Students About the Road to the FIFA World Cup
Syracuse, NY – Alexi Lalas, former U.S. National Soccer player, said the 1994 World Cup changed his life. He thinks the 2026 World Cup will do the same for Americans.
“I live the power of what it can do to an individual,” Lalas said. “I think a lot of people are going to get an experience in the summer of 2026, not just from a fan perspective, but also even from a work and career perspective that fundamentally changes them.”
Lalas, who is now a soccer analyst for Fox Sports, spoke to Newhouse students on Wednesday. He was joined by Ben Grossman, consulting executive for Fox Sports and co-owner of Minnesota United and Angel City FC. The panel was moderated by Cati Hance, who is the Director of Fox Sports University.
All 2026 World Cup coverage in the U.S. will air on Fox Sports. Grossman and Lalas are part of a team tasked with maximizing viewership of the World Cup. They plan to do that, in part, through telling player’s stories, especially the stories of a young, maturing U.S. National Team.
“I think what a lot of people are looking for is that in this World Cup, a home World Cup, there is a little sprinkle of magic from the soccer gods,” Lalas said. “I’m hoping for the country to come together in a way that, let’s be honest, our country rarely does now, behind this team and these individuals.”
Beyond the 2026 Men’s World Cup, the future is in women’s sports, Grossman said.
“You’re seeing this generation of kids coming up where it’s just sports,” Grossman said. “We have kids who are teenagers, and they grew up not separating men’s sports and women’s sports.”
Grossman and Lalas left students with some advice. Lalas talked about the importance of being prepared in all aspects of the job.
Grossman told the story of a life-changing conversation. When he was working in PR for the Colorado Rapids, he let his power get to his head. The head coach of the team sat him down to tell him that although he was good at what he did, his team didn’t like him.
“Take people along for the ride with you,” Grossman said. “I can’t tell you how much it matters if people want to work with you and hang out with you. Just be nice.”
Guest Speaker Series Preview: Mike Lang and Austin Beehner
On Tuesday, February 18th, Professor Jordan Kligerman will host Assistant Athletic Director, Creative, Mike Lang, and Director of Creative Media and Content Strategy for Syracuse Football, Austin Beehner.
The group will discuss the art of creating content for all sports social media platforms and what that looks like for a Power Four athletic department and football team.
To read more about Mike and Austin, check out their bios below:
Mike Lang was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Creative Services in the fall of 2021. His responsibilities include leading all video and graphic design for social media, commercials, development, in arena productions, special events and managing a team of student interns.
Lang joined the athletics department full time as the marketing graphic artist in February 2016. In that role, he was responsible for creating marketing collateral including billboards, ticket designs, social media graphics and PDF presentations. Lang was then shifted to a video producer role in Nov. of 2017, where he oversaw the creation of all videos and motion graphics for numerous platforms.
He joined the staff after completing internships with the Syracuse Chiefs, Syracuse Athletics, and the Charlotte Hornets.
Lang earned a Master’s Degree in television, radio and film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University.
Austin Beehner returned to the Syracuse football staff in March 2013 for his second stint with the program, before transitioning to Director of Creative Media & Content Strategy in May of 2023.
In his current role, Beehner is responsible for oversight of all aspects of the football program’s creative media initiatives. Beehner works with the Orange’s coaching staff, recruiting staff and other external units to deliver visually compelling content for recruits and fans. He also provides current student athletes with content for their personal social media, helping grow their brands. Beehner also produces two popular series ‘The Mob Podcast’ and ‘A Syracuse Story.’
As Syracuse’s Director of Video Operations for nine seasons, Beehner was responsible for managing the internal video network, preparing game and practice film for coaches and student-athletes, supervising interns, and managing a staff of student camera operators. He previously played a large role in Syracuse’s creative and social media efforts as well, before the formalization of his current position.
Get ready to evolve your socials game on Tuesday, February 18th from 11:15am-12:15pm, hosted out of the I-3 Center (NH3 432/434). We look forward to seeing everyone at the event!
Guest Speaker Series: Alexi Lalas and Ben Grossman Preview
The Newhouse Sports Media Center is excited to announce our next set of guest speakers: Alexi Lalas and Ben Grossman!
Alexi Lalas, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame and one of the sport’s most recognizable personalities, joined FOX Sports in January 2015 to serve its family of networks as lead studio analyst across all soccer properties. He provides in-depth analysis across the network’s marquee soccer presentations including this summer’s sunrise-to-sunset coverage of the UEFA EURO 2024™ and CONMEBOL Copa America 2024™, the FIFA World Cup™, Major League Soccer (MLS), Concacaf Gold Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, UEFA European Qualifiers, UEFA Nations League and more.
Lalas worked his eighth straight FIFA World Cup™ in 2023 during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™. A June 2023 inductee into the California Sports Hall of Fame, he also hosts a weekly podcast ALEXI LALAS’ STATE OF THE UNION.
Best known as a standout defender on the USMNT during the 1994 World Cup, Lalas was a key member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Team and the 1998 U.S. World Cup squad.
He was the first American to play in Italy’s top division, Serie A, with club Padova, before moving to MLS in 1996, the league’s inaugural season. One of the first signings for Major League Soccer, Lalas began his MLS career with the New England Revolution. He went on to play for the MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
He enjoyed much of his on-field success with the LA Galaxy, winning the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup in 2002. Following his retirement in 2002, Lalas was appointed President and General Manager of the San Jose Earthquakes. He served the same role with the New York MetroStars in 2005 and LA Galaxy in 2008 before joining ESPN.
On the collegiate level, Lalas was a three-time captain at Rutgers and the only soccer player to receive three All-America honors. He helped Rutgers to its first No. 1 ranking in the history of the program during his senior year. He was also named to a trio of Atlantic 10 All-Conference teams and was a four-time Mid-Atlantic Region choice. During his time “On The Banks,” the Scarlet Knights went a combined 71-15-8 with Atlantic 10 Championships in 1990 and 1991.
Lalas came to FOX Sports from ESPN, where he was the lead studio analyst for the network’s coverage of the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup™. He also provided analysis on MLS, USMNT matches and international soccer events including the UEFA European Championships and FIFA Confederations Cups.
One of the best defenders in American soccer history, Lalas was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2006. Lalas is also a member of the Rutgers Sports Hall of Fame (1998) and Rutgers Soccer’s 75th All-Anniversary Team. As a broadcaster, Lalas made history in 2018 as the first-ever soccer analyst to be nominated for a Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Sports Personality category.
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Ben Grossman is a founding co-owner of both Minnesota United of Major League Soccer and Angel City FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. He is also a founding investor of the new Unrivaled pro women’s basketball league and TMRW sports and its new TGL golf league. He has won an Emmy award and been nominated for multiple others in his role as a consulting executive and producer for FOX Sports, for which his role includes among other things helping oversee soccer, having helped guide coverage for the 2015, 2018 and 2019, 2022 and 2023 FIFA World Cups.
Prior to opening his advisory and investment practice, Selhurst Media Ventures, he was Head of Global Operations for Twitter’s media partnerships team. Previously, he was editor-in-chief of Broadcasting & Cable, overseeing the nation’s top weekly television industry trade publication, as well as the brand’s digital and event businesses. Among other companies he has worked for or advised include Microsoft, Major League Soccer, the (first) XFL, AEG (Colorado Rapids), the Sports Business Daily and TV Guide.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors of iACT, a US-based non-profit organization that establishes and operates refugee-run soccer academies and pre-schools in camps in Africa and elsewhere.
A respected media industry voice, he has appeared on-air to analyze the television, media and sports businesses for national TV and radio outlets including CNBC, CNN, Fox Business Network, MSNBC, “Entertainment Tonight,” the BBC, National Public Radio, ESPN Radio, Sirius-XM Radio and CBS Radio. He has also spoken at several top media, Hollywood and sports industry conferences.
Grossman has taught in the business program at UCLA’s continuing education program and has been a guest lecturer at top business schools including Harvard, Dartmouth and UCLA.
A Minnesota native, he graduated with honors from Boston University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in economics and holds a MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he was awarded a Dean’s Fellowship.
Join us on Wednesday, February 12th from 4pm-5pm to hear more about their careers and The Road to FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Syracuse women’s basketball rallies for victory over Wake Forest
Syracuse women’s basketball won consecutive ACC games for the first time this season, defeating Wake Forest at the JMA Wireless Dome 62-50 Sunday afternoon. The Orange rallied from a double-digit deficit in the first half to defeat the Demon Decans. It was Syracuse’s first win in the Dome since defeating Miami on Jan. 12.
“We don’t have any stop in us,” head coach Felisha Legette-Jack said. “Our young ladies are winning in the locker room, winning in practice … and eventually it’s going to show on the court.”
It was a less-than-ideal start for the Orange. Wake Forest went on a 16-4 run, bridging the first and second quarters. Syracuse’s deficit swelled to as much as 12. But the Orange began to regain momentum just before halftime, going on a 9-2 run to close the first half. The Demon Decans scored just two points in the last four minutes of the second quarter.
The second half was the Georgia Woolley show. The senior guard from Australia scored six points in the third quarter, while Wake Forest scored eight as a team. She scored eight more in the fourth quarter, including a clutch 3-pointer to give the Orange a four-point lead with three minutes left. Woolley finished with a game-high 21 points.
Senior forward Sannia Wilson had seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal coming off the bench. Sophomore guard Sophie Burrows had her second double-double of her career, scoring 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, and also had a career-high five steals.
“The defensive side of the ball is where we always make that comeback,” Burrows said. “It’s just trying to pressure the ball, fly around … and I think that’s where we came back into the game.”
Syracuse (10-13, 4-8 ACC) travels to the west coast for a matchup with Stanford on Thursday. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET.
Syracuse Prevails Over Boston College in Triple OT Thriller
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — After 14 missed free throws and three overtimes, Syracuse completed the season-series sweep and captured their 60th win in program history against Boston College, winning 95-86 at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The Orange (11-13, 5-8 ACC) have won 14 of the last 16 meetings, while the Eagles are winless at the Dome since 2014.
Both teams traded baskets in the first half, with eight lead changes. Syracuse finished the half on a 9-0 run to take a 34-27 lead. Freshman guard Elijah Moore scored 11 points in the half, shooting 4 of 6 from the field and 3 of 3 from behind the arc. Moore reached double figures for the first time since Dec. 21, when he scored 16 points at home against the University of Maryland.
The Orange shot 57% from the field and 60% from behind the arc in the second half, with help from Syracuse junior guard J.J. Starling, who scored half his 28 points in the second frame. Starling led the Orange in scoring. BC finished the half shooting 52% from the field and 42% from three. The Eagles (10-13, 2-10 ACC) went on a 7-0 run in the final two minutes to force overtime and outscored the Orange 40-33 in the second half. Eagles’ sophomore guard Fred Payne hit his second three with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 67. Syracuse missed eight free throws in regulation.
Syracuse had a chance to win in regulation and the first and second overtimes, but they missed multiple free throws that would have given them the lead. In the second overtime, BC went on a 7-0 run to lead 83-76. The Orange stormed back and tied the game at 85. Syracuse held the Eagles, who haven’t won on the road this season, to only one point in the third overtime.
Despite shooting 18 of 32 from the charity stripe, the Orange picked up their fifth ACC win. Syracuse finished the game shooting 47% from the field and 37% from three. They had 52 points in the paint, 21 points from three-point land, 10 steals, 15 fast-break points, and grabbed 50 rebounds.
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said everyone who stepped on the court contributed.
“I’m just so proud of this team,” Autry said. “You know, they never wavered. They kept going. We were just making big plays.”
Starling has scored in double figures in 15 of his 17 games. He scored 28 points on 10 of 22 shooting from the field. He said it’s about playing with grit.
“I just learned that I can be a dog,” Starling said. “It’s all about making plays. I just got to do my job, whether it’s defense or offense.”
Eddie Lampkin, the grad transfer from Colorado, played nearly 50 minutes and captured his sixth double-double in ten games. He scored 14 points, shooting 6 of 12, and grabbed 18 rebounds.
Syracuse senior forward Jyare Davis also finished in double figures with 16 points. He was 6 of 10 from the field. Davis said everyone believed in each other.
“Nobody here was throwing in the towel,” Davis said. “We’re all still, you know, sticking together and fighting.”
Syracuse honored the 1974-1975 men’s basketball team at halftime, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their first Final Four appearance.
Syracuse will play the University of Miami at the Watsco Center in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
Syracuse Men’s Basketball Drops Close Game to Pitt
Syracuse men’s basketball lost for the second time this week, falling 77-73 to Pitt on Sunday at the JMA Wireless Dome.
The Orange started out fast, making their first five shots and jumping out to a 13-4 lead before the first media timeout. However, Syracuse’s shooting quickly dried up from there. The Orange went 8-25 (32%) from the field the rest of the half.
Pitt didn’t shoot well in the first half, going just 10-30 (33%) from the field and 2-9 (22%) from three. However, the Panthers got to the free throw line a lot, going 10-11 (91%) from the charity stripe in the first half. The Orange went into halftime up one.
Syracuse’s shooting woes continued in the second half. The Orange shot under 40% from the field, while Pitt went 18-31 (58%) in the half. Junior forward Guillermo Diaz Graham buried a 3-pointer to give the Panthers the lead early in the second half, and Syracuse couldn’t get even ever again. Every time the Orange got a bucket to make it close, Pitt would answer with a bucket of its own.
Graduate center Eddie Lampkin, Jr. had a career-high 23 rebounds. It was Syracuse’s first 20-rebound game since Jesse Edwards on March 4, 2023 vs. Wake Forest. Lampkin also had 10 points for his eighth double-double of the season and fifth in the last six games.
Despite Lampkin’s performance and winning the rebounding battle 48-31, Syracuse head coach Adrian “Red” Autry thought the Orange didn’t do enough on the glass.
“We didn’t get the rebounds we needed to get,” he said. “It’s very frustrating because it’s something that we work on.”
Syracuse (9-11, 3-6 ACC) looks to avoid its first three-game losing streak of the Autry era when it travels out west to play Stanford on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 11 p.m. ET.
Guest Speaker Series Preview: Sarina Morales
The Newhouse Sports Media Center is excited to announce our next speaker in our Guest Speaker Series: Sarina Morales.
Sarina Morales is currently the Media Director at WeTheHobby, a sports card and entertainment company founded in Rochester, NY that streams live sports content for close to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As noted on her website, Morales is a former SportsCenter anchor for ESPN and was part of the launch of ESPN’s SportsCenterAM morning show. She has also worked as a feature reporter for major events such as the NBA Finals and MLB’s Opening Day.
Since her time at ESPN, Morales has spent her career in a variety of different areas, including three seasons as the Team Reporter for the Los Angeles Rams, reporting for Bally Sports, and frequent guest appearances on MSG Networks.
Sarina has a background in social media marketing and is known as a “thought leader on consumer growth strategies” within the industry. Her experience includes being the social media manager for National Geographic, and she was fundamental in their growth across social platforms.
Morales is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communication and graduated with her Broadcast Digital Journalism (BDJ) degree.
Come join us in the I-3 Center (NH3 432/434) on Wednesday, February 5th at 12:45pm to hear about her experiences in the industry and to ask some of your most pressing questions. For accommodations, please contact nhsports@syr.edu.