Syracuse freshmen shine with career highs in victory over Cornell

On November 27, 2024, in Syracuse, New York, Syracuse University men's basketball team achieved a significant victory against Cornell University, securing an 82-72 win. This game marked a continuation of Syracuse's dominance in the series, extending their winning streak against Cornell to 44 games. The victory was particularly notable for the performances of two freshmen players, Donnie Freeman and Elijah Moore, both of whom recorded career-high points. Freeman scored 23 points along with 12 rebounds, completing his third career double-double, while Moore contributed 19 points and a season-high seven rebounds. The match showcased Syracuse's resilience, as they initially fell behind 20-11 before orchestrating a major turnaround. They closed the first half on a remarkable 33-9 run, shifting the momentum in their favor. At one stage, five different players were involved in a decisive 15-0 scoring run, demonstrating Syracuse's depth and teamwork on the court. While the starting players faced challenges in their shooting during the initial minutes, they eventually found their rhythm, significantly improving their shooting percentage in the latter part of the first half. The game also highlighted Syracuse's dominance in key statistical categories, having outscored Cornell in the paint 40-24 and outperforming them in rebounding with a tally of 48 to 35. J.J. Starling added to the score with 12 points, reflecting the collective effort of the team. On the other side, Cornell was led by Guy Ragland Jr. with 17 points, supported by Cooper Noard and Nazir Williams who each scored 16 points. Despite their strong start, Cornell struggled to maintain their early momentum, missing several shots during crucial moments of the game. With this win, Syracuse improved their overall record to 4-2 and is set to face a tough challenge ahead with a game against No. 7 Tennessee coming up in the SEC/ACC Men’s Challenge. For Cornell, this loss brought their record to 4-3, prompting them to refocus as they prepare for their upcoming match against Colgate. The game served as a testament to Syracuse's potential and a stepping stone as they look to strengthen their season moving forward.