When it comes to Quad 1 wins, Syracuse just can’t seem to deliver. Another chance at a high-quality victory slipped through the Orange grasp 67-62 at the Dome against Virginia. Jayden Gardner had 17 points and drilled a jumper in the final minute as the 6th-ranked Cavs overcame SU. The Orange had a second-half surge but ultimately UVA is a better team, which has been the story for Syracuse all season. Virginia now has won seven straight games.
Virginia moved to 17-3, 9-2 in the ACC, and is a reminder of what the Orange have only dreamt of since joining the ACC. While SU scrambles for season-lifting wins and hopes of a tourney bid, the powers of the conference just continue to churn. UVA has been a March Madness 1-seed, and won a national championship (of course there’s the UMBC loss in there as well), and they’re once again looking for a top-2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
SU is still seeking that elusive Quad 1 win, but did get an inspired effort in the second half. Syracuse went on a 12-0 run that included a three-point play by Judah Mintz, a 3-pointer from Chris Bell, and a three-point play by Jesse Edwards. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Cavs, with Jalen Hurts in attendance after his NFC Championship Game win. The Orange went just 3-15 from three-point range, which ultimately killed them. With February still on the horizon, the Orange has already lost 10 games.
This is the fourth time this season SU has lost to a ranked team, putting them at 0-4 against the Top 25. UVA sweeps the season series. At the moment, only Clemson is a remaining ranked opponent for the Orange.
There’s been some pleasant surprises this season with the development of young guys, but the cruel reality once again is Syracuse will be chasing to make the NCAA Tournament with a resume like this.
