Syracuse Wings Kingz, Starling Spark Offensive Explosion in Win Over Notre Dame

Orange duo combine for 49 points to snap four-game losing skid

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Syracuse used a strong offensive performance from wings Nate Kingz and J.J. Starling to defeat Notre Dame 86-72 and snap a four-game losing streak. Kingz scored a season-high 28 points, including five 3-pointers, while Starling added 21 points. The Orange shot 57.1% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in the victory.

Why it matters

The win was an important one for Syracuse, which had lost four straight games and was in danger of falling further behind in the ACC standings. The offensive explosion from Kingz and Starling provided a much-needed boost and showed the team's ability to win when its top scorers are clicking.

The details

Syracuse jumped out to an 11-0 run midway through the first half to take a lead they would never relinquish. Kingz and Starling combined for 38 points in the first half, with Starling scoring 17 and Kingz adding 21 in the second half. The Orange defense held the rest of the Notre Dame roster in check, limiting the Fighting Irish to just 29.2% shooting outside of their top three scorers.

  • Syracuse jumped out to an 11-0 run midway through the first half.
  • Starling scored 17 points in the first half.
  • Kingz scored 21 points in the second half.
  • Syracuse led by as many as 14 points in the second half.

The players

Nate Kingz

A Syracuse wing who scored a season-high 28 points, including five 3-pointers, in the win over Notre Dame.

J.J. Starling

A Syracuse wing who scored 21 points and hit three 3-pointers in the victory.

Jalen Haralson

A Notre Dame player who scored a team-high 26 points, including 19 in the second half.

Braeden Shrewsberry

A Notre Dame player who scored 17 points in the loss.

Carson Towt

A Notre Dame player who had 8 points and a team-high 8 rebounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Syracuse's offensive outburst from Kingz and Starling provided a much-needed boost and showed the team's ability to win when its top scorers are clicking. The win was an important one for the Orange as they look to climb back up the ACC standings.