Syracuse's 'older guys' lead the way as Orange snap 4-game losing streak

Syracuse seniors Nate Kingz and JJ Starling paced the Orange offense in the 86-72 win over Notre Dame.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Syracuse snapped a four-game losing streak with an 86-72 win over Notre Dame on Saturday. The Orange were led by their veteran players, with seniors Nate Kingz and JJ Starling scoring 28 and 21 points respectively. Junior guard Naithan George also recorded 10 assists and zero turnovers. Syracuse coach Adrian Autry praised the team's older players for setting the tone and leading the way out of the losing streak.

Why it matters

Syracuse had lost four games in a row, putting the team's NCAA tournament hopes in jeopardy. The win over Notre Dame was crucial to keeping their season on track, especially with tough games against ranked opponents North Carolina and Virginia coming up.

The details

Syracuse started three seniors, a junior and a freshman against Notre Dame, with Sadiq White starting in place of the team's leading scorer Donnie Freeman. The Orange's veteran players stepped up, with Kingz and Starling leading the offense and George recording a strong all-around performance. Syracuse shot 57.1% from the field and connected on 10 3-pointers, assisting on 21 of their 32 made field goals.

  • Syracuse had lost four games in a row heading into Saturday's matchup.
  • The Orange would play their next two games on the road at No. 16 North Carolina on Monday and at No. 17 Virginia next Saturday.

The players

Nate Kingz

A Syracuse senior who scored a season-high 28 points in the win over Notre Dame.

JJ Starling

A Syracuse senior who scored 21 points, 17 of which came in the first half, to help lead the Orange to victory.

Naithan George

A Syracuse junior guard who recorded 10 assists and zero turnovers in the game.

Adrian Autry

The head coach of the Syracuse Orange men's basketball team.

Micah Shrewsberry

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I thought they really came in and fought. They showed some maturity, especially from their older guys. I thought Nate Kingz and JJ Starling, they were they were fantastic when their team needed them to be.”

— Micah Shrewsberry, Notre Dame Head Coach

“I feel like everyone just came together. We just knew that we're a good team and we could be special. A certain amount of losses doesn't define our season because we can still change it.”

— Naithan George, Syracuse Junior Guard

“They've been staying on us. Like, the season's not over.”

— Nate Kingz, Syracuse Senior

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.