Lampkin, Starling power Syracuse past NC State
Lampkin, Starling power Syracuse past NC State
Lampkin’s double-double and Starling’s second-half surge lift Orange to crucial ACC win.
It was a team effort, yet graduate center Eddie Lampkin and junior guard J.J. Starling once again led the way. On Tuesday night, Syracuse claimed a 74-60 victory against NC State, maintaining the lead throughout and marking its 12th win of the season.
Lampkin, a reliable force for the Orange, recorded his 12th double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. His presence in the paint and his dominance on the boards were crucial. Starling, a consistent offensive threat, added 17 points, raising his season average to 19.8 points per game. Despite a slow start, he found his rhythm in the second half to help secure the victory.
“They have no quit in them,” Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said. “As a coach, that’s exactly what you want … we are still playing for us. Nobody else but us and the people that support us.”
Strong Start Fuels Syracuse
Syracuse set the tone early by scoring the game’s first points, forcing NC State into an early timeout just five minutes in while trailing by 10. The Wolfpack struggled to find their rhythm as the Orange controlled the pace. Syracuse’s offense flowed effortlessly, and by halftime, the Orange maintained a comfortable 38-25 lead.
“We played a really good, clean offensive game today, focusing on attacking the paint and not getting seduced by taking a lot of threes,” Autry said.
Second-Half Push Secures the Win
NC State attempted to rally after the break, but Syracuse never faltered. The Orange maintained their composure despite a brief Wolfpack surge, flawlessly executing their game plan and keeping control.
Starling, who managed just two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the first half, found his rhythm in the second. He exploded to finish with 17 points, marking his seventh consecutive game scoring at least 12. His second-half performance highlighted his resilience and ability to adapt.
Senior forward Jayre Davis also had a strong performance, posting 15 points and seven rebounds. It was his best offensive showing since the triple-overtime win against Boston College earlier this month. His leadership and experience proved invaluable.
Lampkin’s double-double further cemented his significance. He has achieved this feat in 10 of Syracuse’s 14 games this season. His physicality and presence in the post allowed the Orange to dictate the tempo.
As the game wound down, it became evident that NC State had no solution for Syracuse’s balance. Every player contributed, from the starting five to the bench, reinforcing the team’s depth and unity cohesion.
Looking Ahead
Syracuse’s recent performance was more than a mere bounce-back after their defeat by Pittsburgh — it was a defining statement. This win keeps the Orange in the hunt for the ACC title as they approach the regular season’s conclusion.
Syracuse is currently ranked 14th in the ACC standings. The team aims to maintain this momentum in its upcoming game, a challenging road match against Virginia Tech on Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m.