SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a thrilling contest, J.J. Starling achieved a career-best performance, amassing 38 points as Syracuse triumphed over Youngstown State with a score of 104-95 after two overtime periods on Saturday.


Joining him in a strong team performance were Eddie Lampkin, who secured a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds, along with Donnie Freeman, who contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds. Starling surpassed his previous high of 26 points, delivering a remarkable effort, with 21 of his points coming in the second half and 10 during the overtime rounds.


Syracuse displayed resilience as Starling and Jyare Davis ignited a fantastic 21-11 run, allowing the Orange to take a 52-49 lead halfway through the second half. The Penguins responded by establishing the largest lead of the closing regulation period, going up 62-58 with just over four minutes to play. Starling managed to tie the match with a crucial layup eight seconds from the end, bringing the score to 73-73.


During the first overtime, Juwan Maxey’s 3-pointer and Ty Harper’s two successful free throws enabled Youngstown State to force a second overtime, with the two teams ending the first extra period tied at 86.


In the second overtime, Syracuse seized the momentum with a 3-point shot by Elijah Moore, followed by Lampkin who scored seven consecutive points, lifting the Orange to a 96-91 advantage with just under two minutes left. In the final moments, both Moore and Starling added two free throws each, sealing the win for Syracuse.


On the Youngstown State side, EJ Farmer was a standout scorer, notching 26 points, while Nico Galette added 21 points to the scoreboard. Harper contributed 17 points, and Jason Nelson added 10 points to the Penguins’ efforts. Farmer was particularly effective in the first half, scoring 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting, helping the team to a 38-31 lead at intermission.