J.J. Starling returned with a vengeance Tuesday night, scoring 21 points to lead Syracuse past Georgia Tech 62-55 in a gritty Atlantic Coast Conference showdown. It marked Syracuse’s first ACC win of the season and snapped a two-game losing streak against the Yellow Jackets.
Starling Shines in His Comeback
Fresh off missing seven games due to a left-hand injury, Starling was in top form. The sophomore guard shot an impressive 9-of-16 from the field, showcasing the offensive firepower the Orange had been missing during his absence.
Teammate Eddie Lampkin Jr. made his presence felt in the paint, posting a hard-fought double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. His effort on the boards was instrumental in securing Syracuse’s victory, particularly in a game where every possession mattered.
Chris Bell and Lucas Taylor rounded out the scoring effort with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Bell, in particular, provided timely buckets that kept Syracuse ahead when Georgia Tech threatened to close the gap.
Syracuse Maintains Control Despite Late Scare
The Orange led for the majority of the game and seemed to have it wrapped up with a 52-44 lead at the 4:14 mark in the second half. But Georgia Tech wasn’t ready to back down.
Lance Terry, the Yellow Jackets’ leading scorer with 18 points, made a pair of free throws and drained a clutch 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions. That late surge cut the Syracuse lead to just three points, 58-55, with 34 seconds left.
However, Syracuse kept its composure, converting from the free-throw line in the final moments to secure the win.
Georgia Tech’s Brief Lead and Halftime Push
Georgia Tech (8-8, 2-3 ACC) came into the game riding a three-game win streak and gave Syracuse trouble early on. Terry’s 3-pointer just before halftime brought the Yellow Jackets within one, at 25-24, setting the stage for a competitive second half.
Midway through the final period, Georgia Tech briefly took the lead, a stretch that lasted only about 90 seconds. Nathan George added 13 points for the Yellow Jackets but couldn’t prevent their streak from ending.
Key Stats from the Matchup
Syracuse’s ability to rebound and control the tempo proved pivotal:
- Eddie Lampkin Jr.: 12 rebounds, 10 points, and a critical defensive presence.
- J.J. Starling: 21 points on 56% shooting from the field.
- Free Throws: Syracuse sealed the game by making clutch shots from the line in the final moments.
For Georgia Tech, Lance Terry’s 18-point effort stood out, as did George’s 13-point contribution. But their inability to contain Syracuse’s key players ultimately cost them the game.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Syracuse (7-8, 1-3 ACC) will look to build momentum as they head to Boston College on Saturday. The return of Starling could provide the spark they need to climb out of their early-season slump.
Georgia Tech will regroup and prepare for a non-conference matchup against SMU, also on Saturday. A strong bounce-back performance will be critical to reigniting their campaign.
