In an electrifying Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown, the Syracuse Orange took on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on December 31, 2024. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the game unfolded at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. The contest was highly anticipated, with Syracuse looking to bounce back after recent challenges in the season. In the first half, Syracuse showcased their offensive prowess, building a lead through sharp shooting and aggressive defense. As the game progressed, Wake Forest demonstrated resilience, inching their way back into contention. At halftime, Syracuse led 42-35, bolstered by standout performances from their key players. Notably, sophomore guard Joe Girard III led the Orange with 15 points in the first half, exhibiting an impressive shooting display.
In the second half, the intensity escalated. Wake Forest’s star player, Tyree Appleby, responded with several tough baskets, trying to shift momentum back in favor of the Deacons. The back-and-forth nature of the contest kept the crowd engaged, with both teams exchanging quick scores. With less than two minutes remaining, the score was tied at 70-70. In a nail-biting finish, Syracuse managed to pull ahead with clutch free throws from Girard. The final buzzer signaled a hard-fought 76-72 victory for the Orange.
Post-game, Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim expressed his relief at the win, stating, ‘We played hard and executed well, especially when it mattered. I’m proud of my guys.’ Wake Forest’s coach, Steve Forbes, acknowledged the effort of his players but noted, ‘We just couldn’t make the necessary plays down the stretch.’ The victory improved Syracuse’s season record to 8-5, while Wake Forest fell to 10-4. The Orange are hopeful that this win will serve as a turning point as they continue their ACC campaign.
