UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, Syracuse’s William Kyle III made a crucial free throw with just 13.8 seconds remaining, leading the Orange to a stunning 62-60 upset over No. 13 Tennessee on November 28, 2023. This marks Syracuse’s first victory against Tennessee since November 28, 1993.
With the game tied at 60, Kyle, a 6-foot-9 center known for his 42% free throw shooting, faced immense pressure. After missing his first attempt, Kyle kept his composure and sank the second, sealing the win for Syracuse (5-3) and sending fans into a frenzy as they stormed the court.
Syracuse coach Adrian Autry expressed his confidence in Kyle. “I looked at him after the miss. He didn’t look nervous at all. He’s a very confident kid,” Autry stated. “The more he gets to the foul line, the more comfortable he’ll get, but that was huge today.” This victory comes after consecutive losses to Houston, Kansas, and Iowa State in last week’s Players Era tournament, making this win a much-needed boost for the team.
Teammate J.J. Starling, who contributed two key shots late in the game, echoed Autry’s sentiments, saying, “As soon as he stepped up, I knew he was going to knock it down.” Kyle himself shared his mindset going to the line, stating, “I wasn’t necessarily nervous. We put a lot of work in every day. I just went up there, a make or a miss, just live with the result.” His determination paid off, proving critical in a high-stakes moment.
The excitement didn’t just end with the buzzer; Syracuse fans celebrated the team’s resilience by storming the court, an act that will cost the university $50,000 in fines. Autry, however, views this as a positive sign. “We want to have more of those. Those are good things,” he said. “When they’re storming the court, that’s a good sign.” This victory not only boosts team morale but also revitalizes the Syracuse community, showcasing the connection between the players and their supporters.
As Syracuse looks to build on this momentum, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The victory over Tennessee may be a turning point for the Orange as they prepare for their upcoming games. Keep an eye on Syracuse as they seek to maintain their winning streak and continue to make waves in the college basketball landscape.