Bucknell's six-game losing streak is on the line against Syracuse
- Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Donnie Freeman excelled with double-doubles in the game against Bucknell.
- Syracuse controlled the game, leading by 12 points at halftime and holding onto that lead until the final buzzer.
- The win marked Syracuse's sixth win in their last seven home games, while Bucknell faced their seventh consecutive loss.
In Syracuse, New York, a college basketball game took place on December 28, 2024, where the Syracuse Orange faced off against the Bucknell Bison in a nonconference matchup. Syracuse emerged victorious with a score of 75-63, marking a significant win for the team, especially as it closed out their nonconference schedule. The game saw standout performances from Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Donnie Freeman, who both recorded double-doubles, contributing to the team's strong presence on the court. Jaquan Carlos also played a key role, finishing just one assist shy of a double-double himself. The Orange took control early in the game, establishing a 12-point lead by halftime, and successfully maintained their advantage throughout the second half. The team's rebounding ability was particularly noteworthy, as they outperformed Bucknell on the boards, securing 43 rebounds compared to Bucknell's 27. Lampkin led Syracuse with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Freeman added 15 points and equally impressive rebounding numbers. Carlos contributed 11 points along with nine assists and three steals, showcasing a well-rounded team effort. On the opposing side, Bucknell struggled with a six-game losing streak coming into the game. They were unable to capitalize on moments that could have turned the tide in their favor. Despite Pip Ajayi's impressive dunk that narrowed the margin to five points during the second half, Bucknell could not maintain the momentum needed to challenge Syracuse effectively. John Bascoe led Bucknell with 22 points, hitting six three-pointers, while Noah Williamson provided support with 12 points and eight rebounds, though their efforts were ultimately insufficient. As Syracuse heads into the Atlantic Coast Conference play, they improve their overall record to 6-6, with the upcoming match against Wake Forest on New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, Bucknell, now at 4-9, will start their Patriot League campaign against Lehigh on January 2. The game highlighted Syracuse's strengths in rebounding, scoring efficiency, and playmaking, while Bucknell will need to address its ongoing struggles to find a pathway to victory in their upcoming competitions.