JJ Starling shines as Syracuse faces Cornell

On November 27, 2024, the Syracuse Orange are set to face off against the Cornell Big Red in a college basketball match in Syracuse, New York. This game marks an important moment for both teams, as Syracuse comes off a recent close loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders, where standout player JJ Starling scored an impressive 27 points. With a record of 3-2, the Orange have shown strength on their home court with a solid 3-0 record, demonstrating their capability to perform well in familiar surroundings. The team averages 80.8 points per game, which places them slightly ahead of Cornell, who allows an average of 76.0 points. Syracuse's offensive strategy has been built around their ability to score effectively in various circumstances, showcasing their depth in scoring options, primarily through Starling, who leads the team with 21.4 points per game. Meanwhile, the Cornell Big Red, holding a record of 4-2, head into this game after splitting their away games, going 1-1 in hostile arenas. They have proven effective defensively, second in the Ivy League with an average of 24.2 defensive rebounds per game, largely due to the impressive contributions from their player Guy Ragland Jr., who averages 6.0 defensive boards per game. As the game approaches, both teams are keen to solidify their standings and improve their performances as the season progresses. The outcome may have significant implications for their respective momentum in the ongoing season, with Syracuse looking to capitalize on their home advantage and Cornell aiming to upset the odds while building on their recent successes.