Donnie Freeman Owns Up to Mistakes After Heartbreaking Loss

After a heartbreaking loss to Virginia Tech, Donnie Freeman publicly took responsibility for his performance, stating, “It’s nobody’s fault but mine.” In a subdued tone, he emphasized the need for personal accountability, expressing a determination to improve his game moving forward.

Key Moments from the Game

The Orange faced a tough setback on Wednesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Despite leading by seven points at halftime, Syracuse fell to Virginia Tech with a final score of 76-74. This defeat marked a significant moment in the 2025-26 season, coming after a recent loss to Boston College that left the team in need of a turnaround.

Freeman’s Performance

In the game against Virginia Tech, Freeman struggled significantly, shooting only 3-of-14 from the field and committing four turnovers. This was a stark contrast to his previous performances, where he averaged 22.2 points and nine rebounds over five ACC games since returning from injury. His recent form had raised expectations, making his setbacks even more noticeable.

Game Analysis

• Freeman had seven turnovers in the prior game against Boston College.
• In the game against Virginia Tech, Syracuse allowed the Hokies to score 46 points in the second half.
• Freeman acknowledged missing crucial free throw opportunities, describing how such errors have impacted the team’s performance.
• Virginia Tech capitalized on Syracuse’s mistakes, scoring 26 points from turnovers and outscoring them 25-15 in fast break opportunities.
• The Hokies shot 33 free throws in the second half, significantly more than Syracuse’s 12.

Response from Coaches

Syracuse coach Adrian Autry noted that Virginia Tech’s physical defense affected Freeman’s play. They effectively neutralized him by doubling up and preventing him from using his dominant right hand. Virginia Tech’s coach, Mike Young, instructed his players on how to limit Freeman’s scoring ability.

Looking Ahead

Freeman reflected on the pain of feeling like he let down his teammates and fans. With a focus on the upcoming game against Miami, he acknowledged the urgency for the Orange to secure a victory. “Every game from here on out, we gotta play with desperation,” Freeman stated, underscoring the importance of improvement for both himself and the team.

The season outlook for Syracuse now hinges on their ability to rectify recent mistakes and capitalize on upcoming opportunities. As the pressure mounts, Freeman is determined to elevate his game and contribute positively to the team’s success.