Syracuse Looks to Extend Early Dominance Against Delaware State
The Syracuse Orange are back on the court this Saturday as they welcome the Delaware State Hornets to the JMA Wireless Dome at 1 p.m. The Orange are coming off a commanding 85-47 season opener against Binghamton, a game in which five different players scored in double digits, signaling the depth and balance of this revamped roster. Fans can catch all the action live on ACC Network Extra, with stats updated throughout the game.
Syracuse opened the season by showcasing a mix of offensive firepower and suffocating defense. Donnie Freeman led the way with 20 points and six rebounds, while William Kyle III made a memorable debut, scoring 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including six dunks. Naithan George added 15 points and led the team with eight assists, and freshman Kiyan Anthony made his regular-season debut, contributing 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Tyler Betsey also reached double digits with 10 points, rounding out a well-balanced scoring effort. The Orange defense was equally impressive, holding Binghamton under 50 points for the first time since November 2022, forcing 22 turnovers and recording 11 steals.
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Syracuse’s momentum continued early in the Delaware State game, with the Orange scoring efficiently and converting defensive stops into easy baskets. Nate Kingz showcased his defensive instincts with a steal on the wing and a coast-to-coast layup, while Kiyan Anthony benefited from a block by William Kyle, finishing a fast-break layup. At one point, Syracuse led 10-2 with 15:44 remaining in the first half, demonstrating the same intensity and focus that dominated their opener.
The Hornets, on the other hand, are entering the matchup after an 83-65 loss to Temple in their season opener. Delaware State, coached by Stan Waterman in his fifth season, features a new-look starting five and is led by Zion Bethea and Ponce James, who scored 20 and 16 points respectively against Temple. Despite showing flashes of competitiveness in the first half against the Owls, Delaware State struggled to contain Temple’s interior game, allowing 46 points in the paint. The Hornets were picked to finish fifth in the MEAC this season, and Syracuse enters the game as a heavy favorite.
Injuries also factor into the matchup, with freshman Sadiq White leaving the first half with an ankle injury, though the team has depth to absorb the loss. Senior JJ Starling remains day-to-day with a lower-body issue but is not expected to play a significant role in this game.
All eyes will be on Syracuse as they look to replicate their season-opening dominance, tighten their defense, and continue building confidence before next week’s matchup against Drexel in Philadelphia. The Orange are expected to control the tempo, exploit mismatches, and showcase the depth that makes them a formidable team early in the season. With a balanced roster, defensive prowess, and an eager home crowd, Syracuse is poised to deliver another emphatic victory against Delaware State.
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