SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In a decisive display, the Syracuse Orange emerged victorious over N.C. State with a final score of 74-60 on Wednesday night, thanks largely to a strong second-half performance and stellar contributions from Eddie Lampkin Jr., J.J. Starling, and Jyare Davis.
Eddie Lampkin Jr., standing at 6-foot-11, played a pivotal role in Syracuse’s success, achieving his 12th double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds. The Orange (12-16, 6-11 ACC) dominated in the paint, outscoring N.C. State 46-22, while achieving an impressive 58% shooting efficiency. In the second half, Starling added 15 of his total 17 points and Davis contributed 10 of his 15 points, remarkably boosting the team’s shooting percentage to 72%.
On the opposing end, Dontrez Styles led N.C. State (11-17, 4-13) with 17 points, all scored in the second half, including four successful three-pointers. Unfortunately for them, Styles was the only player to score in double figures as N.C. State managed a shooting percentage of just 34%.
In a game marked by strong comebacks, Styles attempted to shrink an 18-point deficit in the second half, driving a 13-3 run that brought the Wolfpack within eight points. Yet, Syracuse’s Lampkin responded with a field goal and Starling followed up with a three-pointer, extending the lead back to 15. The Orange maintained a sturdy lead, keeping it in double figures during the final eight minutes of play.
In the first half, Syracuse shot 50%, significantly surpassing N.C. State by 20%, and entered halftime with a commanding 38-25 lead. Lampkin’s early efforts, with nine points and eight rebounds, were instrumental as the Orange took advantage of N.C. State’s struggle, where three starters were held scoreless and the team was limited to a 2-13 performance from beyond the arc. Syracuse maintained a consistent double-digit lead throughout, at one point leading by as much as 16.
Looking ahead, N.C. State will face Georgia Tech, and Syracuse will compete against Virginia Tech this coming Saturday.
