Syracuse takes aim at snapping its third two-game losing streak of the season when it hosts Bucknell on Saturday afternoon.
The Orange (5-6) are coming off a disappointing 87-60 loss to Maryland last Saturday in a game in which they trailed 43-17 at the half.
Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said he expects more out of his team and pointed out that some things need to change after a loss he labeled as “embarrassing.”
“That’s what we talked about,” Autry told reporters after the Maryland game. “We all gotta look deep down inside and figure out what we gotta change. Obviously, everything is on me. I’m responsible for it. No question about it.
“I gotta look at some things, look at it differently. I told our players, this is a team, so they have to do their part as well. And I’ll leave it at that.”
The loss to Maryland marked the second time this season that Syracuse has lost by at least 20 points. The Orange are averaging 77.5 points per game but surrendering 80.2.
While leading scorer J.J. Starling (19.8 points per game) remains out due to a hand injury, Donnie Freeman continues to excel. Freeman is averaging 13.5 points per game and has scored in double figures seven times this season, including a campaign-high 24 points against Albany on Dec. 10.
Chris Bell (10.9) and Jyare Davis (10.1) also are averaging in double figures for the Orange.
Just as Syracuse is looking for a change, Bucknell is as well. The Bison have dropped their last six after starting the season with a 4-2 record.
Their most recent loss came last Saturday when they fell 86-65 to then-No. 13 Gonzaga.
The Bison are playing their final nonconference game of the season and are 2-4 away from home. They are averaging 70.2 points and allowing 76.5.
Josh Bascoe and Noah Williamson have led the way for Bucknell this season, putting up 14.1 and 13.6 points per outing, respectively.
–Field Level Media
