In a game brimming with intensity and drama, the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team fell short in an overtime showdown against the Boston College Eagles. The 85–80 loss not only stunned fans at the JMA Wireless Dome but also dealt a blow to Syracuse’s momentum midway through the ACC schedule. Despite a spirited effort, the Orange couldn’t recover from crucial late-game mistakes and defensive lapses that ultimately handed Boston College a rare road win in this storied rivalry.
With both teams entering the matchup hungry for a quality win, the stakes were high. Syracuse looked to build off a promising stretch of play that had fans whispering about a possible turn in their season. Instead, familiar issues—from erratic shooting to inconsistent defense—reappeared at the worst moments. In a game of inches, it was decision-making and execution that defined the overtime heartbreaker. Let’s dive into what went wrong for Syracuse and how this loss might shape their path forward.
Syracuse vs. Boston College Overview
| Final Score | Boston College 85, Syracuse 80 (OT) |
| Date | January 20, 2024 |
| Location | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY |
| Syracuse Record | 13–6 (4–4 ACC) |
| Boston College Record | 11–8 (3–5 ACC) |
| Top Scorer (Syracuse) | Judah Mintz – 28 points |
| Top Scorer (Boston College) | Quinten Post – 23 points |
Key turning points late in the game
Heading into the final minutes of regulation, the Orange had built a narrow lead, edged forward by sharp plays from Judah Mintz and JJ Starling. However, Syracuse struggled to close out the contest due to a sequence of ill-timed turnovers and poor shot selection. In the final 90 seconds, Boston College clawed back from a five-point deficit thanks to smart possessions and strategic fouling. The Eagles tied the game with 12 seconds left in regulation, sending the tilt into an extra period that would reveal Syracuse’s underlying issues.
In overtime, it was Boston College that looked fresher and more composed. Their offense moved the ball with confidence, while Syracuse failed to mount a coherent answer. Defensive communication broke down on several screens, and second-chance points allowed the Eagles to extend their lead. Ultimately, Syracuse’s offensive rhythm completely unraveled with the added pressure—scoring only six points in overtime.
“We had them where we wanted them late, but stopped executing on both ends. That’s on us, and as a team we’ve got to be better in the clutch.”
— Adrian Autry, Head Coach, Syracuse Men’s Basketball
Spotlight on star performance: Judah Mintz
If there was one bright spot from the game, it was the explosive performance of Judah Mintz, who dropped 28 points while adding 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Mintz displayed elite-level shot creation and hustle, constantly putting pressure on the Boston College defense. At numerous points in the game, it felt like Mintz was single-handedly keeping Syracuse in the fight.
Yet even Mintz couldn’t carry the team over the finish line. His efforts slipped in overtime as Boston College’s defense keyed in on him, forcing the ball out of his hands and daring other players to step up. Sadly for Syracuse, they didn’t.
Bench production falls short again
One of the persistent issues plaguing the Orange this season has been inadequate bench scoring. That theme continued against Boston College, as the reserves managed a combined 10 points. With starter fatigue setting in late in regulation, the need for fresh energy off the bench became apparent—and unfulfilled.
The lack of depth not only restricted Adrian Autry’s rotation but also limited flexibility when key players got into foul trouble or saw their shots stop falling. A more productive second unit could have changed the complexion of this tightly contested game.
Defensive lapses and rebounding woes
Throughout the season, Syracuse’s famed 2-3 zone has struggled against well-spaced offenses, and this game was no exception. Boston College repeatedly found open looks on the perimeter and exploited gaps in the zone with cuts to the basket. The Orange couldn’t close out in time, allowing the Eagles to shoot 45% from three—an unforgiving number in a close contest.
Additionally, Syracuse was out-rebounded 39 to 33, with Boston College pulling down 13 offensive boards. Those second-chance opportunities proved costly. Each offensive rebound represented a missed stop, and most importantly, extra possessions for the Eagles that ultimately widened the scoring gap in overtime.
“We didn’t box out. You let guys get multiple cracks at the rim, they’re going to cash in. That’s effort and focus—plain and simple.”
— Placeholder Quote, Basketball Analyst
Winners and losers from the matchup
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Boston College perimeter shooters | Syracuse’s defensive integrity |
| Quinten Post (23 points, commanding presence) | Syracuse bench unit |
| Boston College coaching in clutch | Late-game execution by Syracuse starters |
What this means for Syracuse’s ACC journey
The loss leaves Syracuse at 4–4 in conference play—a critical pivot point in a tightly packed ACC standings race. With multiple marquee matchups looming, each game now carries added weight. Losing at home to a mid-tier Boston College squad hurts not just in the standings but in potential NCAA Tournament positioning.
To rebound from this setback, the Orange must find consistency not just within games but on a night-to-night basis. The peaks have been promising, but the valleys—like this overtime loss—continue to hinder growth. Addressing the same long-standing issues will determine just how far this Syracuse team can go in March.
Can Syracuse turn the page quickly?
The good news? The season is far from over. Syracuse has enough talent to compete with anyone in the ACC and showed flashes of that against Boston College. But execution, depth, and consistency remain unresolved questions. The road to redemption begins with self-assessment and urgency—starting with the next tip-off.
This loss was painful, no doubt. But if turned into a learning moment, it doesn’t have to define Syracuse’s season. Instead, it might ignite the fire they need to evolve from a streaky team to a resilient one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Syracuse vs. Boston College game?
The game ended with Boston College defeating Syracuse 85–80 in overtime.
Who led Syracuse in scoring during the game?
Judah Mintz led all Syracuse players with 28 points.
Why did Syracuse lose in overtime?
Late-game turnovers, poor shot selection, and defensive breakdowns allowed Boston College to control overtime.
How has Syracuse performed in ACC play this season?
After the loss, Syracuse’s ACC record stands at 4–4.
Did the Syracuse bench contribute during the game?
The bench combined for only 10 points, continuing the trend of low bench production.
What are Syracuse’s biggest challenges right now?
Depth, defensive consistency, rebounding, and late-game execution are current areas of concern.
Who were the standout players for Boston College?
Quinten Post led Boston College with 23 points and was a dominant presence throughout the game.
What’s next for Syracuse basketball?
After the loss, Syracuse will look to reset and prepare for upcoming ACC matchups to stay in the tournament conversation.