Did Syracuse Orange's Defensive Blocks Secure Victory Over SMU Mustangs?

The Syracuse Orange emerged victorious in a tightly contested game against the SMU Mustangs, ending with a score of 79-78. This win brings the Orange to a record of 1-0, while the Mustangs start their season at 0-1.

First Half

The first half saw both teams battling for dominance, with the SMU Mustangs taking an early lead. The Ponies capitalized on their offensive rebounds and second-chance points to maintain pressure on Cuse. However, Syracuse's defense was formidable, with William Kyle III contributing significantly by blocking two shots and grabbing seven rebounds. Despite trailing by four points at halftime with a score of 39-35 in favor of SMU, the Orange showed resilience.

Second Half

In the second half, Syracuse turned up their offensive game led by Naithan George who scored 16 points and dished out six assists. His performance was instrumental in closing the gap and eventually overtaking SMU's lead. The team's three-point shooting improved significantly as they hit 11 out of 30 attempts from beyond the arc.

The defensive prowess of Donnie Freeman also shone through as he recorded four blocks during crucial moments that thwarted several Mustang scoring opportunities. His all-around play included scoring 18 points and securing five rebounds which were pivotal for Cuse’s comeback.

Final Moments

As time wound down, both teams exchanged leads multiple times but it was ultimately Syracuse’s ability to capitalize on free throws that sealed their victory. They shot an impressive 78 percent from the line compared to SMU’s slightly lower percentage.

In post-game interviews, players expressed satisfaction with their defensive efforts which proved decisive against a strong Mustang offense known for its fast-break capabilities.

Looking ahead, fans can catch Syracuse Orange facing off against Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16th at 7:00 PM EDT broadcasted live on ESPN. Share this article if you enjoyed our comprehensive analysis!