BOSTON — J.J. Starling made a significant impact in the game, scoring 20 of his total 26 points during the second half, while Eddie Lampkin contributed a double-double. Syracuse managed to seal their victory against Boston College with a final score of 79-71 on Saturday, successfully converting 9 out of 10 free throws in the final minute.

The second half kicked off with Chad Venning executing a three-point play that put the Eagles ahead 35-32. Boston College continued to build their lead, reaching a 54-46 advantage with less than nine minutes remaining. However, Syracuse regrouped and went on a 10-point scoring streak, with Starling putting them ahead 56-54 with 5:40 left on the clock.

In response, Joshua Beadle of Boston College connected on a jumper to even the score, but it was Kyle Cuffe Jr. who pushed Syracuse back in front with a three-pointer, establishing a 59-56 lead with under five minutes to go. Donald Hand Jr. managed to reduce the deficit for the Eagles with a layup, making it 70-63 with just over a minute left in the match.

As the clock wound down, Lucas Taylor started the final minute by making 1 of 2 free throws. He then added four more to his tally, while Lampkin contributed two free throws. Starling sealed the game with a free throw, securing the victory with just ten seconds remaining.

For Syracuse, Taylor was a key player with 15 points, alongside Jyare Davis, who added 12 points. Lampkin’s performance included 10 points and a notable 13 rebounds, with Cuffe also scoring 10 points.

On the other side, Hand led the Eagles with 20 points and pulled down nine boards, while both Beadle and Venning contributed 17 points each. Earlier in the first half, Hand sank a three-pointer to give Boston College a narrow 13-12 lead, but Syracuse responded with two three-pointers from Taylor, followed by another from Jaquan Carlos. BC did manage to tie the game three more times, with the final tie occurring when Beadle hit a three-pointer from the left corner just as the first half was about to conclude, making it 32-32 at halftime.

Looking ahead, Boston College is set to face Notre Dame on Monday, while Syracuse will welcome Louisville on Tuesday.