Lampkin, Freeman Lead Orange to Win over Bucknell

Saturday, December 28

Syracuse, N.Y.

2 PM

Syracuse University

6-6,0-1ACC

Bucknell

4-9,0-0Patriot

Bucknell

Syracuse

Lampkin, Freeman Lead Orange to Win over Bucknell

12/28/2024 4:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Highlights Adrian Autry Press Conference Kyle Cuffe Interview Eddie Lampkin Interview Photo Gallery Photo Gallery

A pair of double-doubles by Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Donnie Freeman propelled Syracuse (6-6) to a 75-63 victory over Bucknell (4-9) in the team's final nonconference contest of the season Saturday. With the win, the Orange finish their non-ACC slate with a record of 6-5.

How The Game Was Decided
After a back-and-forth first opening 15 minutes, the Bison gained a 26-22 advantage with 5:39 remaining in the half. Syracuse quickly erased the deficit, closing the period with a dominant 21-5 run to take a 43-31 lead into halftime. The surge was fueled by two 3-pointers each from Lucas Taylor and Freeman.

Despite efforts from Bucknell to reclaim the lead, the Orange held off the visiting team throughout the second half to earn their 12-point victory.

Lampkin and Freeman Power Orange Early
Lampkin and Freeman powered the Orange offense in the first half, combining for 24 of the team's 43 points on an efficient 10-of-13 (77 percent) shooting from the field. The duo also played a crucial role in helping 'Cuse outrebound Bucknell, 18-11, through the first 20 minutes of the contest. Lampkin led the effort with a team-high seven rebounds in hte fist half, while Freeman contributed five.

Cuffe Creates Space
Kyle Cuffe Jr. sparked the Orange offense in the second half with a seven-point burst, bringing his total to eight on the afternoon. With 10:53 left to play, the redshirt junior fueled a 13-4 Syracuse run that extended the team's lead to a game-high 15 points.

Double-Double Duo
Double-double efforts from Lampkin and Freeman were key in the Orange's victory. Lampkin posted 18 points and 11 rebounds, while the freshman added 15 points and 11 boards. It marked Lampkin's third double-double of the season and Freeman's fifth.

The win over Bucknell was the second time this season the duo recorded double-doubles in the same game, the first coming in Syracuse's double-overtime victory against Youngstown State.

Notable Numbers

Petar Majstorovic netted a career-best nine points in the victory, eclipsing his previous mark of six points scored against UAlbany.
Taylor led the Orange from beyond the arc with a trio of triples on 3-of-5 (60 percent) shooting. The senior's nine points matched his season best.
Orange assist leader Jaquan Carlos finished the game with a game-best nine to add to his season total of 60.
The Orange recorded a season-best 13 steals in the game, surpassing their previous best of seven in the season opener against Le Moyne during the game's first half. It was the most steals in a game for the Orange since Feb. 10, 2024, when they took the ball away 14 times against Clemson.
The 'Cuse bench was strong in the win, contributing 27 points to the team total of 75. The Orange reserves also edged the Bucknell bench, who scored just 12 points.
Syracuse dominated the glass against the Bison, outrebounding them 43-27. The Orange capitalized on 15 offensive rebounds to generate 14 second-chance points, while securing 28 defensive boards to limit Bucknell's opportunities for consecutive scoring attempts.
Syracuse moves to 11-1 in the all-time series against the Bison. The Orange also finished their nonconference slate with a winning record of 6-5 as they move into ACC competition.

Up Next
The Orange are set to host Wake Forest for their ACC home opener on Tuesday, Dec. 31. The game is slated to tip at 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN2.

Tickets
Syracuse men's basketball tickets are available online (cuse.com/tickets), by phone (1-888-DOMETIX) and at the Dome Box Office (Gate B).

For complete coverage of Syracuse men's basketball, follow the team on X (@Cuse_MBB) and Instagram (@cuse_mbb).

Gallery: (12-28-2024) Syracuse vs. Bucknell