After an up-and-down early season, the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is riding a wave of momentum coming into their matchup against Boston College. With three straight wins under their belt and confidence surging, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Syracuse can push it to four. Tuesday night’s showdown poses a compelling opportunity to solidify Syracuse’s bid for relevance in a competitive ACC field. After frustrating early season inconsistencies, head coach Adrian Autry now has a chance to further prove his system works — especially in light of recent growth from his young core of players.
The energy is palpable at the JMA Wireless Dome, and the Orange faithful are starting to believe again. They’ll get another test in the form of a scrappy Boston College squad that has shown glimpses of promise this season. However, Syracuse’s ability to clamp down on defense, initiate fast breaks, and execute in crunch time has elevated their profile substantially in recent games. With both squads jockeying for positioning in the conference standings, the stakes are rising as we inch closer to March.
What to watch in Syracuse vs. Boston College matchup
| Matchup | Syracuse Orange vs. Boston College Eagles |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, February 13, 2024 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Location | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY |
| TV | ACC Network |
| Current Streak | Syracuse – 3 wins, Boston College – 1 loss |
The evolution of Syracuse under Coach Autry
Head coach Adrian Autry’s first season at the helm hasn’t been without its growing pains, but it’s increasingly clear his stamp is beginning to show. After inheriting a program with high expectations and a legacy under Jim Boeheim, Autry has managed to tweak the identity of the Orange. His version of Syracuse basketball fuses intense man-to-man defense with opportunistic scoring runs and improved shot selection.
The defensive transformation has been subtle but effective. Rather than relying solely on the 2-3 zone that defined Syracuse for decades, Autry’s squad now toggles between man-to-man and hybrid schemes. This has led to more turnovers and better defensive rebounding — key elements in Syracuse’s recent successes. Offensively, they’ve leaned heavily on the shot-making prowess of Judah Mintz and the steady inside-out play of JJ Starling and Maliq Brown.
Key players powering the Orange’s winning streak
Judah Mintz continues to be the sparkplug for Syracuse. Over the last three games, he’s averaged 21+ points with improved efficiency and a remarkable ability to get to the free throw line. His ability to dictate tempo against opposing guards has shifted the dynamic of several games in Syracuse’s favor. Meanwhile, Maliq Brown has evolved into a dependable force inside, consistently crashing the glass and offering timely put-backs and blocks.
But perhaps the biggest revelation has been Chris Bell, who has found his rhythm offensively after inconsistent early-season play. Bell’s outside shooting has been a difference-maker, opening up the floor and punishing teams who collapse on drives. The trio of Mintz, Bell, and Brown offer a balanced attack capable of stretching defenses thin and controlling the game’s pace.
Boston College offers more than meets the eye
Boston College arrives in Syracuse looking to rebound from a tough loss, but the Eagles aren’t a team to be underestimated. Earl Grant’s squad plays gritty, physical basketball and boasts length and athleticism at multiple positions. The Eagles are led by Quinten Post, a versatile 7-footer who can shoot from deep and protect the rim, causing real matchup issues for opposing teams. His ability to stretch the floor will be something Syracuse’s bigs need to prepare for.
BC’s backcourt, featuring Jaeden Zackery and Claudell Harris Jr., combines speed with high basketball IQ, capable of pressuring ball handlers and creating scoring opportunities through pick-and-roll actions. Expect a tightly contested battle, particularly in the paint and in transition, two areas where Boston College will look to exploit any Syracuse lapses.
Momentum and March implications for Syracuse
With Selection Sunday on the horizon, every game counts — particularly for a Syracuse team flirting with the tournament bubble. A fourth consecutive win, especially against a conference foe, would go a long way in strengthening their resume. The Committee looks at how teams finish the regular season, and the Orange appear determined to peak at the right time.
This game against Boston College is more than just a chance to add to a winning streak — it’s an opportunity to showcase consistency and the ability to win close conference games, two metrics that weigh heavily in March evaluations.
What Syracuse must do to win
To earn their fourth straight win, Syracuse must continue to lean into the defensive intensity that’s fueled their recent success. That means limiting second-chance points, avoiding early foul trouble, and containing Quinten Post’s perimeter shooting. Offensively, ball movement and shot selection will be imperative. Live-ball turnovers could be disastrous against Boston College’s opportunistic wings.
Another critical area will be bench production. Players like Justin Taylor, Naheem McLeod, and Benny Williams must step up to give the starters valuable rest and maintain momentum. If Syracuse can secure major contributions outside the usual top-three scorers, they’ll be tough to beat at home.
Matchup history and trends
Historically, Syracuse holds a commanding lead in the all-time series with Boston College. Wins have often come via defensive lockdowns and capitalizing on Boston College’s half-court inefficiencies. The last meeting between these two schools saw the Orange pull away in the second half, powered by transition buckets and a late scoring surge.
Still, trends can only tell part of the story. Boston College has shown resilience in close games this season, and Syracuse must avoid complacency after returning home on a winning streak. The first five minutes will be key in setting the tone and establishing control.
Winners and losers from recent games
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Judah Mintz – leading scorer and facilitator | Opposing perimeter defenses – struggling to contain Syracuse’s guards |
| Coach Adrian Autry – system clicking at the right time | Turnover-prone teams – Syracuse’s defense capitalizing heavily |
| Maliq Brown – defensive anchor and efficient scorer | Opposing bigs – neutralized on both ends in recent matchups |
“This team is starting to believe in itself. The chemistry is finally syncing, and you can see that in how they respond to adversity during games.”
— Adrian Autry, Syracuse Head Coach
“We’re taking it one game at a time. Every possession counts, especially in tight ACC battles like this one.”
— Judah Mintz, Syracuse Guard
“Syracuse is dangerous when they move the ball and defend like this. They’ve evolved under Autry.”
— [Placeholder Coach or Analyst]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top scorers for Syracuse this season?
Judah Mintz leads the team in scoring, followed by JJ Starling and Chris Bell, who have both stepped up significantly in recent games.
What time is the Syracuse vs. Boston College game?
The game tips off at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the JMA Wireless Dome.
How has Adrian Autry changed Syracuse’s style of play?
Autry has diversified the team’s defense beyond the traditional zone and emphasized aggressive man-to-man sets, while improving transition play and scoring rhythm.
What are Syracuse’s NCAA tournament prospects?
Winning this game and continuing their late-season surge would significantly boost Syracuse’s odds of receiving an NCAA tournament bid.
Who is Boston College’s biggest threat to Syracuse?
Quinten Post presents a unique challenge with his size and three-point shooting ability, likely stretching Syracuse’s defense.
Where can fans watch the Syracuse vs. Boston College game?
The game will be broadcast live on the ACC Network.
What’s been the biggest improvement in Syracuse’s recent play?
Defensive intensity and bench production have markedly improved, giving Syracuse better in-game versatility.
How has Judah Mintz impacted the current winning streak?
Mintz has orchestrated the offense with poise, led all scorers, and drawn countless fouls to put the Orange in command late in games.