Syracuse Basketball Defeats Georgia Tech: 3 Takeaways

Despite both teams struggling to shoot from the three all game, Syracuse basketball’s (7-8, 1-3 ACC) defense and a few issues from the Yellow Jackets gave Syracuse a 62-55 win over Georgia Tech. Here are three takeaways from Syracuse basketball’s win over the Yellow Jackets.

It’s the first time Syracuse has picked up a win since the team’s home win over Bucknell to close out its nonconference schedule back on Dec. 28. After Georgia Tech took a three-point lead halfway through the second half, the Orange put together a 12-2 run that gave Syracuse a led it clung to until the final buzzer. With the help of JJ Starling’s sharp shooting and Eddie Lampkin’s fourth double-double, the Orange got the first conference win off their plate ahead of their weekend trip to Boston.

Takeaway 1: Starling’s definitely back

After Starling’s injury left Syracuse without its top scorer, a handful of players stepped up. Elijah Moore was a small bright spot in the loss against Tennessee, and Lucas Taylor has found some consistency on the court over the last two weeks, too.

But nothing compares to having the go-to guy on the court.

Starling led the game with 21 points, continuing his double-digit hot streak for another game. He hasn’t played a game for Syracuse this year without reaching at least 10 points. Starling also picked up five boards, two blocks and a steal against the Yellow Jackets.

Having Starling on the court meant Syracuse had someone who could be anywhere, at any time. Starling only made on three-pointer against Georgia Tech, but he was willing to let it fly. He also played 37 minutes without committing a foul.

It certainly helped Syracuse having Starling playing the way he did. It’s an even bigger relief to see him play that way so soon after the injury, too.

Takeaway 2: No Donnie Freeman

Syracuse basketball made two announcements 90 minutes before tip-off. First, Chance Westry was unavailable against the Yellow Jackets for “medical reasons.” The Auburn transfer has made a handful of appearances this season, playing minimal minutes across nonconference play after finishing up a year-long rehab assignment for a leg injury.

The other, however, turned a few more heads. Freshman forward, and Syracuse starter, Donnie Freeman was unavailable due to a leg injury. He wore a boot on his right foot, sitting on the bench during Syracuse’s first ACC win.

Head coach Adrian Autry said he believes Freeman will be “day to day” during his postgame press conference. He also added that he’s unsure what Freeman’s timetable will be.

“He one of the best rebounders in the league,” Autry said. “He’s one of our best 3-point shooters. That’s the one thing that we missed is having. He’s a guy that’s capable of knocking down a 3-pointer or two. We missed that today.”

Freeman is the Orange’s leading rebounder, averaging 7.8 rebounds per game. He’s been a member of the starting lineup all season. In his place, Autry opted to put Jyare Davis in Freeman’s spot. Davis played for 32 minutes against Georgia Tech, scoring eight points and collecting nine rebounds.

Takeaway 3: Lampkin turned it up quickly

Syracuse’s big man in the paint has proven he can handle a bit of physicality. Lampkin hasn’t shied away from a little pushing and shoving, or using his 7-foot frame to his advantage. However, he hasn’t always put up the numbers Syracuse fans may expect.

He put up those numbers against Georgia Tech, however.

After not scoring in the first half, Lampkin threw together his fourth double-double of the season in the second half, finish the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Though the bout against Georgia Tech didn’t have the same level of physical intensity expected from other ACC programs moving forward, it’s a good sign to see the Colorado transfer quickly turn on the offense when the Orange needed it. Syracuse and Georgia Tech were neck-and-neck at the start of the second half, and though Starling’s efforts certainly helped, Lampkin’s ability to get the ball through the hoop inside the final 20 minutes was what the Orange needed. The Yellow Jackets were circling Starling, so Lampkin’s offense meant Georgia Tech had to split itself in half to defend both.

There were still some concerning numbers, including the 18 turnovers and only four made triples. But the first conference win is on the books. For Syracuse, that’s enough to keep moving forward this weekend.

Next up for Syracuse (7-8, 1-3 ACC): at Boston College (9-6, 1-3 ACC) — Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. EST

Next up for Georgia Tech (8-8, 2-3 ACC): at SMU (11-4, 2-2 ACC) — Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. EST