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Syracuse got off to a great start in its last matchup before things fell apart. Two minutes into its matchup against No. 13 Georgia Tech, SU held a 10-1 lead.

But, like earlier parts of the season, the second quarter haunted the Orange. The Yellow Jackets rallied back and won the quarter, 28-15, handing SU a lopsided 85-68 loss.

After making the NCAA Tournament last season, SU’s 0-2 start to Atlantic Coast Conference play and a sub-.500 record puts it in a deep hole going forward.

Next, the Orange’s road trip continues against Florida State on Sunday. The Seminoles have won 11 of their last 12 games and have made 11 straight NCAA Tournaments.

Here’s everything you need to know before Syracuse (6-7, 0-2 ACC) faces Florida State (12-2, 2-0 ACC):

All-time series

Florida State leads 7-6.

Last time they played …

After Syracuse defeated Florida State in the 2023-24 regular season, the Seminoles got their revenge in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinal. Earlier last season, SU rallied back from down 18 to beat then-No. 19 Florida State 79-73. The teams then met in the ACC Tournament, where FSU’s Ta’Niya Latson scored a game-high 25 points en route to a 78-65 triumph over SU. Guards Dyaisha Fair and Georgia Woolley were limited to 11-of-29 shooting.

The Seminoles report

Outside of two losses to Illinois and Tennessee, Florida State has dominated behind its surging offense all season. The Seminoles score 95.6 points per game, which ranks second in Division I, only behind the undefeated Lady Vols.

Latson, FSU’s leading scorer, picked up her second All-ACC First-Team accolade last season and is improving in her third season. Latson’s 28.2 points per game lead the nation, while teammates Makayla Timpson and O’Mariah Gordon are each averaging over 16 points.

When Florida State’s offense clicks, it can be lethal, as shown by its 29.2 scoring margin per game. In its two defeats this season, it got in major foul trouble against Illinois and was outrebounded by Tennessee. The Seminoles kept both games close but fell in decisive fourth quarters in each contest.

How Syracuse beats Florida State

Syracuse needs to keep the same approach that was outlined ahead of its matchup against No. 13 Georgia Tech, meaning everything will need to go right for the Orange to stand a chance.

SU fell short against the Yellow Jackets partially because Sophie Burrows and Keira Scott were limited to nine points on 3-of-16 shooting. For the Orange to stick with the high-scoring Seminoles, their shooters can’t afford to miss that often.

The Orange also need to keep their foot on the gas for the whole contest. Syracuse squandered its early 10-1 lead to GT and entered the second quarter in a tied game. Because the Yellow Jackets had momentum entering the second frame, it cost the Orange their lead and the game, falling behind 13 at halftime. With the knockout ability of FSU’s offense, SU will have to be on its A-game.

Stat to know: 41.4%

Florida State ranks highly in nearly every offensive and defensive category. But the Seminoles’ 41.4% assisted shot rate measures in the nation’s bottom 10.

Perhaps it’s a different offensive mindset from the rest of the country that has led to FSU’s 12-2 record. Florida State retained each of its top three scorers from last season, and the trio has continued finding success in 2024-25. By playing a fast-paced style of basketball where some players create their own shots, the Seminoles have the lowest turnover frequency in the nation and one of the most successful offenses.

Player to watch: Ta’Niya Latson, guard, No. 00

Latson is in her own realm when it comes to scoring. The next closest player in Division I is Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, who averages two fewer points per game at 26.0.

This season, Latson has taken a large step forward in scoring. After averaging 21 points in each of her first two seasons, Latson has raised her 3-point and field goal percentage dramatically to increase her scoring output. Aside from scoring, Latson is first on the Seminoles in assists and second in steals.

Published on January 4, 2025 at 11:48 pm

Contact Timmy at: tswilcox@syr.edu | @TimmyWilcox32