Philadelphia ― An inspired defense effort in the second half lifted Syracuse to a convincing 80-50 win over Drexel here at the XFinity Mobile Arena on Saturday.
Syracuse held a 37-32 halftime lead, but limited Drexel to just six points in the first 12 minutes of the second half.
The defensive effort allowed Syracuse to build a 63-48 lead. The Orange limited Drexel to just two field goals in the 12 game-changing minutes after halftime.
Syracuse Orange Mens Basketball 2025-26: Syracuse vs. Drexel
It was a truly dominant defensive display as Syracuse outscored Drexel 43-18 in the second half. Five of Drexel’s points came in the final seconds of the game.
The Dragons made just 20% of their field goal attempts in the second half, going 7-for-35 from the floor.
In a 1-minute stretch that exemplified the Orange’s second-half effort, Syracuse used its full-court press to force Drexel into two turnovers and then call a desperation timeout to avoid a third turnover.
For the game, Syracuse forced Drexel into 18 turnovers, which the Orange turned into a 20-to-4 advantage in points off turnovers.
The win improved Syracuse’s record to 3-0 this season, while Drexel fell to 1-3.
Kiyan Anthony, making his second consecutive start in place of injured SU guard JJ Starling, led the Orange with 18 points. Donnie Freeman added 13 points.
Naithan George, the point guard transfer from Georgia Tech, had his best game of the young season with 13 points and seven assists.
Syracuse center William Kyle jammed his line in the box score with eight points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and three steals.
Syracuse’s next game is on Tuesday against Monmouth at the JMA Wireless Dome. After that the Orange travels to Las Vegas to participate in the Players Era Festival. SU’s first-round game in Vegas will be against No. 1 Houston.
On Saturday, Syracuse trailed early, but forged a 37-32 halftime lead. The Dragons’ ability to create and make high-percentage shots kept the game close. Drexel connected on 12 of its 23 (52%) field goal attempts in the half.
Drexel also outhustled the Orange for rebounds, winning the battle on the boards 19 to 8 in the opening half.
But the Orange’s aggressive defense forced Drexel into 10 first-half turnovers. Syracuse converted Drexel’s turnovers into 14 points.
Anthony scored 12 of his 18 points in the opening half. Playing in front of both his parents, Anthony scored the first basket of the game on a drive to the basket. He continued to attack the rim for most of his points, mixing in a 3-pointer.
