Syracuse (6-4) hosts Mercyhurst (4-7) on December 17 as part of a seven-game homestand. The Orange have shown resilience with a 2-1 record in their last three games, defeating #13 Tennessee and Saint Joseph’s, but losing to Hofstra. Defensively, Syracuse has limited opponents to 64.3 points per game while blocking 24 shots in three games. With sophomore Donnie Freeman sidelined, senior Nate Kingz has stepped up, averaging 15.0 points in the last three games. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams.
By the NumbersSyracuse is averaging 64.3 points allowed over the past three games, shooting .419 from the field.Mercyhurst is scoring an average of 65.6 points per game with a -1.0 point differential. State of PlaySyracuse is currently on a four-game homestand, with one more non-conference game before ACC play.Mercyhurst is in its second Division I season, having previously finished the last season with a 15-16 record. What’s Next
Following this game, Syracuse will continue to prepare for three more non-conference opponents before facing Clemson in ACC competition on New Year’s Eve.
Bottom Line
Syracuse aims to capitalize on home-court advantage against a struggling Mercyhurst team, continuing to build momentum as they approach ACC play.