Overview
- Donnie Freeman scored 18 points and sank two late free throws, leading Syracuse along with 7 rebounds as the Orange sealed the win.
- Naithan George posted 12 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds, and Nate Kingz added 15, while JJ Starling returned from injury with 11 points.
- Monmouth cut a 14-point second‑half deficit to two in the final 36 seconds behind Justin Ray’s 25 points before a missed tying three ended the threat.
- Syracuse shot 19-for-33 at the line (57%), including 10-for-21 after halftime, continuing a season-long slump near 61% from the stripe.
- The Orange forced just 12 turnovers and struggled at times on the glass, raising concerns before Las Vegas matchups with No. 2 Houston and No. 24 Kansas.