Full Breakdown
Syracuse Orange Hold Off Monmouth Hawks in Close Contest
11/19/2025, 2:15:16 PM
Game Overview: Syracuse vs. Monmouth
On November 18, 2025, the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team faced the Monmouth Hawks at the JMA Wireless Dome, securing a 78-73 victory. This win marked Syracuse's fourth consecutive victory, improving their record to 4-0 for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The Orange, known for their strong defensive performance, faced a resilient Monmouth team that fought back from a 14-point deficit in the second half.
First Half: A Tight Contest
The first half was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, with Syracuse leading by just three points at halftime, 36-33. The Orange struggled with rebounding, being narrowly outrebounded 21-17, and faced challenges in scoring efficiency, shooting only 27% from beyond the arc. Despite these issues, Syracuse managed to pull ahead with a 9-0 run late in the half, capped by a three-point play from freshman Kiyan Anthony.
Monmouth's Justin Ray kept the Hawks competitive, scoring 25 points throughout the game, including crucial baskets that helped close the gap. The Hawks capitalized on Syracuse's mistakes, particularly during a stretch where the Orange committed a technical foul, allowing Monmouth to score four consecutive free throws.
Second Half: Syracuse Attempts to Pull Away
In the second half, Syracuse initially extended their lead to 14 points, driven by a strong performance from Nate Kingz, who scored seven points during a pivotal stretch. The Orange shot 60.9% in the second half, showcasing improved offensive efficiency. However, Monmouth responded with a late surge, cutting the deficit to just two points with 36 seconds remaining.
Despite the pressure, Donnie Freeman, who led Syracuse with 18 points, made critical free throws to maintain the lead. Naithan George contributed significantly with 12 points and nine assists, while J.J. Starling, returning from injury, added 11 points.
Key Players and Statistics
- Syracuse Orange:
- Donnie Freeman: 18 points, 7 rebounds
- Nate Kingz: 15 points
- Naithan George: 12 points, 9 assists
- J.J. Starling: 11 points
- Justin Ray: 25 points
- Stefanos Spartalis: 18 points
- Jack Collins: 11 points, 6 rebounds
Syracuse's free-throw shooting was a concern, as they converted only 19 of 33 attempts, which allowed Monmouth to stay within striking distance.
Official Statements & Responses
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry acknowledged the team's need to improve, stating, "We need to be more consistent, especially with our free-throw shooting." He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as the team prepares for tougher matchups in Las Vegas.
Monmouth's head coach, King Rice, expressed pride in his team's effort, saying, "I'm proud of our effort down the stretch. We showed resilience, and that's something to build on."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, Syracuse faced criticism for their performance, particularly regarding their free-throw shooting and rebounding. Fans and analysts noted that the Orange's inability to close out the game convincingly could pose challenges against stronger opponents in upcoming games.
What's Next for Syracuse
Following this matchup, Syracuse will head to Las Vegas for the Players Era Championship, where they will face top-ranked teams, including No. 2 Houston and No. 24 Kansas. The Orange will need to address their free-throw shooting and rebounding issues to compete effectively in this challenging tournament.
