The Orange’s two game winning streak, and any positive or optimistic feelings surrounding this 2025/26 SU hoops squad, were snapped Monday night at Cameron Indoor. The Blue Devils crushed the ‘Cuse in the worst loss of the Adrian Autry Era. Here is what Monday’s Syracuse loss showed about this group going forward:
• The defense looked unprepared
Autry said in his press conference about how Duke just simply has better players. While that may be true, it doesn’t excuse letting a team shoot over 60% from the field and racking up triple digit points. The Blue Devils finished the night with five players scoring double-digit points. With North Carolina and Louisville upcoming the “Better guys” excuse just isn’t going to cut it.
- The guard position didn’t step up
Coming into the season fans were worried about Syracuse’s crowded guard room; now, Autry struggles to find a consistent guard. J.J. Starling shot an inefficient 3-13 from the field, while Naithan George only shot the ball four times over his 33 minutes. The bench didn’t help this problem either, but the Orange’s backcourt was supposed to make the difference especially with Duke’s loaded big-man room.
- Duke’s stars were able to feast
ESPN’s pregame talked about how Syracuse has to contain the Blue Devils stars: that didn’t happen. Potential #1 Overall NBA draft pick Cameron Boozer led the game with 22 points, and star guard Isiah Evans contributed 21. The defensive scheme allowed Duke’s stars to shine, and therefore create a lopsided margin on the scoreboard.
- The loss was embarrassing for the program
Syracuse still doesn’t have a high school commit for the 2026/27 season. The Athletic Director is retiring in July, not mid-March. With so many questions surrounding this program, the Orange got their doors blown off on national television. Duke is a strong squad with real national title aspirations, but there are levels to losses. The phrase “A for effort” cannot be applied here, it looked more like an F.
Syracuse comes back home to the dome this Saturday to take on UNC. The Tar Heels beat the Orange in their previous matchup in Chapel Hill, but are missing star forward Caleb Wilson. Tipoff is at 1, make sure to follow the Orange Fizz on socials for updates.
