Syracuse is set to kick off its Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) campaign against Clemson on New Year’s Eve, December 31. The matchup will take place at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, at 2:00 p.m. This marks a significant game for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball.
Game Preview: Syracuse vs. Clemson
Syracuse enters the contest with a record of 9-4. The Orange completed their non-conference schedule with a decisive victory over Stonehill, winning 77-48. Their strong start included holding their first three opponents to 50 points or fewer, resulting in an average win margin of 36 points over those games.
Clemson comes into this game boasting a 10-3 record and a three-game winning streak. Their non-conference schedule featured challenging opponents like BYU, Alabama, Georgia, and West Virginia, where they earned a 2-2 record. The Tigers recently defeated in-state rival South Carolina, showcasing their potential as they prepare for ACC play.
Syracuse’s Non-Conference Highlights
- Syracuse finished its non-conference schedule with an 9-4 record.
- The Orange recorded an 8-1 home record with an average margin of victory of 15.9 points.
- Key players included J.J. Starling, averaging 12.4 points post-injury, and William Kyle III, who leads the team with 43 blocks.
- Seniors Nate Kingz and Naithan George contributed significantly, both averaging over 10 points per game.
Clemson’s Season Overview
The Tigers, led by head coach Brad Brownell in his 16th season, have garnered interest in the college basketball landscape. RJ Godfrey leads Clemson with an 11.3 scoring average, along with 75 rebounds. Jestin Porter follows closely, drawing attention with 28 three-pointers made this season.
Clemson is recognized for its defensive prowess, allowing only 65.8 points per game while limiting opponents to a .273 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. This defensive strength will be a key factor in their game against Syracuse.
Historical Context
Saturday’s game represents the 18th meeting between Syracuse and Clemson. The Tigers currently hold a series advantage with an 11-6 record, having won the last encounter in January.
As both teams prepare for this critical ACC opener, the stakes are high. Fans can follow the game live on ESPN2, and additional coverage is available through the respective social media channels of both teams.
Tickets and Attendance
Fans interested in attending the game can find season and individual tickets at cuse.com/feature/basketball-tickets. This matchup promises to be an exciting start to the New Year for college basketball enthusiasts.
