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After losing three straight games to end January, Syracuse has leveled up this month.

Despite missing Donnie Freeman, who’s been ruled out for the rest of the season, the Orange have won two of their last three games. Most recently, SU defeated Boston College in triple overtime Saturday for its fifth Atlantic Coast Conference win.

J.J. Starling — SU’s top scorer — recorded a team-high 28 points versus the Eagles, including 24 over the final 35 minutes. Meanwhile, four other players scored in double figures to help lift the Orange to their second overtime victory this season.

Now, SU travels to Miami Tuesday, looking to capture its second consecutive win. The Hurricanes are the worst team in the ACC, starting conference play 0-10 before winning their lone ACC game on Feb. 1 versus Notre Dame.

Here’s everything you need to know before Syracuse (11-13, 5-8 ACC) faces Miami (5-18, 1-11 ACC) Tuesday:

All-time series

Syracuse leads 20-12.

Last time they played …

With the game tied and the clock winding down to its final seconds, Quadir Copeland hit a game-winning 3-pointer to defeat Miami 72-69 on Jan. 20, 2024. The shot sent the JMA Wireless Dome into a frenzy, and Copeland was wrapped in bear hugs.

The Orange trailed for a majority of the contest, but responded to the Hurricanes with timely runs to keep the game close. Five SU players scored in double figures, led by Starling’s game-high 22 points on six 3s.

Joe Zhao | Design Editor

The Hurricanes report

After a Final Four appearance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, Miami has unraveled. The Hurricanes finished 15-17 and 6-14 in the ACC last season. This season has been worse. On December 21, 2024, Miami fell 78-74 to Mount St. Mary’s, and its 14-year head coach Jim Larrañaga stepped down from the mantle five days later.

At 4-8, Miami elevated associate head coach Bill Courtney to interim head coach, and then lost its next nine games. After a winless January, the Hurricanes picked up their first ACC win against Notre Dame on Feb. 1 after trailing by 11 at halftime.

Through Miami’s struggles, guard Matthew Cleveland has been its bright spot. He’s scored at least 21 points in each of its last six games, leading a veteran-laden offense. However, Miami’s experience hasn’t mattered much. While the Hurricanes excel in free-throw and overall shooting, they rank near the bottom of the ACC in rebounding and points allowed per game.

How Syracuse beats Miami

During SU’s last three games, it won twice by taking a lead into halftime. Its first half play this season has often decided its success. The Orange need to start fast to defeat the Hurricanes Tuesday.

Syracuse built its lead in the first half against BC in its last game behind Elijah Moore’s 11 points on three triples and Eddie Lampkin Jr.’s eight points. While Starling got off to a slow start, the Orange’s other players stepped up to build a seven-point halftime lead.

SU’s success also relates to its play down low. Against Cal, SU won the paint-scoring battle 30-20, and two games later, used a 52-36 edge in the paint to defeat BC. If Syracuse’s secondary scorers step up and it continues to dominate the interior — where Miami struggles — then it will defeat the Hurricanes.

Stat to know: 31.6%

Miami has sank 31.6% of its 3-pointers this season, ranking 17th in the ACC. After shooting a fourth-best 36.1% last season, the Hurricanes lost four of their top six 3-point shooters in the offseason and have dropped off from long range. In Miami’s last two games, it’s shot 22% and 28% from deep, respectively.

Player to watch: Matthew Cleveland, guard, No. 0

After playing two seasons at Florida State, Cleveland transferred to Miami last season and slotted in as its second-leading scorer with 13.7 points per game. Now, after the departure of Norchad Omier, Cleveland is the Hurricanes’ top option. Cleveland leads Miami with 16.1 points per game and 25 3s this season. The senior has tallied at least 25 points three times this campaign and has added 14 blocks.

Published on February 10, 2025 at 10:37 pm

Contact Timmy at: tswilcox@syr.edu | @TimmyWilcox32