Syracuse Triumphs Over California in Double-Overtime Amid Dome Blackout
The Syracuse Orange secured a thrilling 107-100 victory over the California Golden Bears in a double-overtime showdown at the JMA Wireless Dome. The game, held on a night marked by power outages affecting scoreboards, showcased an intense back-and-forth battle between the two teams.
Syracuse’s Performance Breakdown
Syracuse improved its record to 14-11 overall and 5-7 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) after this hard-fought win. Despite suffering two prior overtime losses this season, Syracuse displayed resilience during the tense back-and-forth, especially in the second overtime period.
Key Player Contributions
- Nate Kingz: Led Syracuse with 27 points, hitting crucial free throws and a pivotal 3-pointer in the final minutes.
- JJ Starling: Contributed 21 points, including key baskets in overtime.
- Donnie Freeman: Scored 16 points, significantly improving his performance in the second half after struggling early.
- William Kyle: Dominated the boards with 15 points and 16 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds.
In their relentless pursuit, Syracuse managed to recover from missed chances earlier in the game. In the second overtime, they outscored California 16-9 and shot 7-for-10 from the free-throw line, a significant turnaround considering their prior struggles.
Game Highlights
Despite being ranked 363rd nationally in free-throw shooting percentage, Syracuse stepped up when it mattered most. A notable moment came when Kingz converted a traditional 3-point play late in the first overtime, bringing Syracuse back in contention. In a nail-biting finish during regulation, Kingz assisted Naithan George for a key 3-pointer, pushing Syracuse to a lead.
California, now 17-8 overall and 5-7 in the conference, fought valiantly. Chris Bell, a former Syracuse player, added 18 points for the Bears. Both teams entered the half tied at 35, with California showing an early advantage in 3-point shooting.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Score | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Syracuse Orange | 107 | 14-11 (5-7 ACC) |
| California Golden Bears | 100 | 17-8 (5-7 ACC) |
This victory marked a significant turnaround for Syracuse in a challenging season, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. Going forward, they aim to build on this success as they continue their quest in the ACC. For more updates on college basketball, stay tuned to Filmogaz.com.
