UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Syracuse’s William Kyle III hit a crucial free throw with just 13.8 seconds remaining, leading the Orange to a stunning 62-60 victory over No. 13 Tennessee at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY. This marks Syracuse’s first win against the Volunteers since November 28, 1993.
The atmosphere was electric as Kyle, known for his 42% free throw shooting, stepped to the line with the game tied at 60. Despite the pressure, Syracuse coach Adrian Autry and teammate J.J. Starling showed unwavering confidence in the 6-foot-9 center. Kyle missed his first attempt but calmly sank the second, sealing the game for Syracuse (5-3) over Tennessee (7-2).
“One free throw. That’s all we needed. Just one,” Autry stated after the game. “He didn’t look nervous at all. He’s a very confident kid.” Starling echoed this sentiment, noting, “No. That’s disrespectful. That’s my teammate. I knew he was going to knock it down.”
Kyle finished the game with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks, showcasing his all-around skills when it mattered most. Reflecting on the moment, Kyle said,
“I wasn’t necessarily nervous to go to the line. We put a lot of work in every day. I was just thinking about my routine.”
This victory comes after a challenging stretch for Syracuse, which faced consecutive losses to top teams including Houston, Kansas, and Iowa State in the recent Players Era tournament. The win was essential not only for the team’s morale but also for the fans, who celebrated by storming the court.
While the court storming will cost Syracuse a fine of $50,000, Autry remains optimistic about future celebrations. “We want to have more of those,” he remarked. “When they’re storming the court, that’s a good sign.”
The victory is a pivotal moment for Syracuse as they look to build momentum moving forward. Fans and players alike are eager for what lies ahead, hoping this win is just the beginning of a successful season.
