Syracuse Overcomes Adversity to Secure 69-59 Victory Against Boston College

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11/01/2024 17h41

In a thrilling matchup at the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse showcased resilience and regained control after squandering a 19-point lead, clinching a 69-59 victory over Boston College on Wednesday night.

Syracuse's spell of adversity began when they allowed Boston College to take a narrow 50-49 lead with less than eight minutes remaining in the game. At that moment, the Orange players appeared frustrated and confused. However, they quickly regrouped, finding their footing and composure to outscore the Eagles 20-9 in the final minutes of the game.

Leading the charge for Syracuse was Chris Bell, who showcased his scoring prowess by contributing 20 points. Maliq Brown, making his first start of the season, also made a significant impact with 19 points for the Orange. Despite their efforts, Boston College's top center, Quinten Post, struggled to find his rhythm and remained scoreless, managing only six rebounds. Devin McGlockton stepped up for the Eagles, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards, while Claudell Harris contributed 16 points, including four 3-pointers.

With this win, Syracuse improves its overall record to 11-4, and their ACC conference record becomes 2-2. Notably, the Orange has remained undefeated at home throughout the season. On the other hand, Boston College's record drops to 10-5 overall, with a conference record of 1-3.

Syracuse's starting lineup introduced a new look for this game, as point guard Judah Mintz began on the bench, and center Naheem McLeod was sidelined due to a foot injury. Mintz, who had previously started every game for SU, entered the game midway through the first half and started the second half. No reason was provided for his benching. McLeod, averaging 3.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, missed the game due to a right foot injury and is scheduled to see a specialist soon, according to SU director of athletic communications Pete Moore.

In the absence of Mintz, Quadir Copeland stepped in as the starting point guard. Meanwhile, Maliq Brown, who had been performing exceptionally well off the bench as McLeod's backup, was given the opportunity to shine in the starting lineup. Brown, a 6-foot-8 sophomore, had been averaging 17.2 points and 6.7 rebounds in previous games, but had a challenging matchup against the 7-foot-1 BC center, Quinten Post.

At halftime, Syracuse held a 32-22 lead, though it felt like they should have been further ahead given Boston College's struggles. The Eagles managed to score only nine points in the first 16 minutes of the game, but Syracuse's defense waned towards the end of the half, allowing BC to score 13 points, with Mason Madsen's buzzer-beating 3-pointer reducing the Orange's lead to 32-22.

Both teams struggled with turnovers, as Syracuse capitalized on Boston College's 13 turnovers, converting them into 16 points. However, the Orange also committed 12 turnovers of their own, providing the Eagles with opportunities to stay in the game. Additionally, Syracuse struggled from beyond the arc, going 4-for-15 on 3-point attempts and missed five of their 11 free throw attempts.

As the game progressed, Boston College closed the gap, trailing by only seven points (45-38) after Claudell Harris drained a crucial 3-pointer with 12:28 remaining. The Eagles' dominance on the boards, outrebounding Syracuse 34-23, compounded the Orange's challenges. With under four minutes left on the clock, Syracuse's lead dwindled to 49-45 as Chas Kelley, BC's backup point guard, showcased his acumen by scoring on consecutive possessions with quick drives to the basket.

With the crowd growing nervous, Syracuse needed a spark. It was then that Bell and Brown stepped up for the Orange, contributing 15 of their team's final 20 points. Their clutch plays not only halted the Eagles' momentum but also propelled Syracuse to victory.

In conclusion, Syracuse's ability to overcome adversity and regain control allowed them to secure a hard-fought 69-59 victory over Boston College. With this win, the Orange further solidify their position at home this season, while the Eagles face a setback in their conference campaign.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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