The Terps take on the Orange in their penultimate nonconference contest.
Searching for its 10th win of the 2024-25 campaign, Maryland men’s basketball has enjoyed a positive start to the season compared to last year’s struggles. Its 111 points in its last victory over Saint Francis (PA) was the most it has scored in a single game since 2005. And while the Terps are rolling now, the games will only continue to get tougher.
Now, Maryland turns its attention to an old ACC foe in Syracuse, which it will take on Saturday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, for the Gotham Classic.
Saturday’s game will begin at noon and air on ESPN.
Syracuse Orange (5-5, 0-1 ACC)
2023-24 record: 20-12, 11-9 ACC
The Orange have undergone a tough slate to begin their season, and their record has paid the price for it. They lost to Texas, Texas Tech, No. 1 Tennessee, Notre Dame and Georgetown, with their worst defeat coming at the hands of the Volunteers, 96-70. Syracuse’s biggest margin of victory thus far came against Albany, 102-85.
Head coach Adrian Autry is in his second year at the helm of the program after taking over for legendary coach Jim Boeheim. In his first season, he led the Orange to an impressive 20-12 record. It was the team’s first 20-win season since 2013-14. Autry has been with Syracuse as an assistant since 2011 and was named associate head coach in 2017. He played four years of college basketball with the Orange from 1990-94.
Players to watch
Donnie Freeman, freshman forward, 6-foot-9, No. 1 — With J.J. Starling out indefinitely due to a hand injury, Freeman has been counted on as a primary scoring option. He is averaging 13.4 points per game as a true freshman and also leads the team with 7.9 rebounds per game. He’s started all but one game this season.
Jaquan Carlos, senior guard, 6-foot-0, No. 5 — While Carlos is seventh on the team in points per game (6.2), he leads the team with 4.7 assists per game, the seventh-most in the ACC. Without Starling, he assumes even more of the ball handling and playmaking duties.
Chris Bell, junior forward, 6-foot-7, No. 4 — Bell is third on the Orange in scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game. He’s also second on the team in total steals (7) and first in blocks (7). A versatile wing, it will be interesting to see how he’s used on defense to combat Maryland’s strong interior and guard play.
Strength
Rebounding. Syracuse ranks fifth in the ACC in team rebounds per game (38.7) and third in the conference in defensive rebounds per game (28.1).
Weakness
Three-pointers. Everything that has to do with the 3-ball, the Orange are bad at. They rank second-to-last in the ACC in 3-point percentage (27.1%) and are last in the conference in 3-point makes per game (4.9).
Three things to watch
1. Can the Terps stay hot from three? Maryland made its most 3-pointers in a game this season against Saint Francis, potting 15 after starting 0-of-3. With Syracuse being a poor 3-point shooting team, it will be interesting to see if the Terps can capitalize early on the perimeter and jump out to a commanding lead.
2. Can Selton Miguel continue his production? Miguel posted a season-high 24 points against Saint Francis, to go along with four assists and three rebounds. He also led the team with four 3-pointers. His versatile scoring and aggressive nature early in games has been evident, and it will be worthy to note whether or not this continues Saturday.
3. Another test for the Terps. Despite Syracuse being 5-5, this game still presents a major nonconference opponent akin to Villanova. What’s more, the contest will be on national television in an NBA venue, setting up for a high-stakes atmosphere.