Syracuse Survives Double OT Thriller Against Cal

Orange overcome 3-point shooting deficit to win first overtime game of the season

Feb. 12, 2026 at 1:07am

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Despite losing the 3-point shooting battle 11-6, Syracuse held on for a double overtime win over California. The game featured several lead changes, a power outage, and the return of former Orange player Chris Bell to the JMA Wireless Dome. Nate Kingz, J.J. Starling, and Donnie Freeman all scored in double figures to lead Syracuse to the 107-100 victory.

Why it matters

This hard-fought win is a much-needed boost for Syracuse's NCAA Tournament hopes, as they sit 11th in the ACC standings. The game also marked the return of Chris Bell, who spent three years with the Orange before transferring to Cal, adding an extra layer of drama to the contest.

The details

Syracuse overcame a 3-point shooting deficit, going 6-of-25 from deep compared to Cal's 11-of-30. The game went to double overtime after the power briefly went out in the Dome with Syracuse leading 83-82 in the first OT. Kingz, Starling, and Freeman all had big games for the Orange, while Bell scored 18 points in his return to Syracuse. The win snaps a streak of three overtime losses for SU this season.

  • The power outage occurred around the two and a half minute mark of the first overtime period.
  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Nate Kingz

A key contributor for Syracuse, scoring 27 points including a crucial 3-pointer in double overtime.

J.J. Starling

Scored 21 points for the Orange, including the go-ahead basket late in the first overtime period.

Donnie Freeman

Scored 16 points for Syracuse, including 4 in the second overtime to help seal the win.

Chris Bell

A former Syracuse player who returned to the Dome as a member of the Cal Golden Bears, scoring 18 points in the loss.

Milos Ilic

A Cal player who hit a last-second 2-pointer to force double overtime.

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What they’re saying

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This hard-fought double overtime win shows the resilience of this Syracuse team, who overcame a 3-point shooting deficit and a power outage to pick up a crucial victory that could boost their NCAA Tournament hopes. The return of former player Chris Bell also added an interesting subplot to the game.