Syracuse Blows Out Delaware State 83-43 Behind Freeman’s 20 and Anthony’s 19 in First Start
Nov, 25 2025
Syracuse crushed Delaware State 83-43 on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the JMA Wireless Dome — a performance so dominant it felt like a statement, not just a win. Freshman Kiyan Anthony didn’t just make his first career start; he announced himself, dropping 19 points with poise beyond his years. Meanwhile, senior Donnie Freeman delivered his most complete game of the season, leading all scorers with 20 points. The Syracuse Orange didn’t just win — they overwhelmed, outscoring the Delaware State Hornets 40-17 in the first half and never letting up. By the final buzzer, the Orange had forced 10 steals, turned defense into fast breaks, and reminded everyone why they’re built for a long season.
Early Season Statement
It’s still November. Conference play hasn’t started. But for Syracuse, this wasn’t just another non-conference tune-up. It was proof their depth is real. Brent Axe, host of Syracuse Sports, put it bluntly on his November 9 episode: "Blowouts are back at the JMA Wireless Dome. You handle your business. You blow out Bingmpington. You blow out Delaware State." And that’s the new standard. The Orange didn’t just win — they made Delaware State look out of place, out of rhythm, and out of options. The Hornets, who entered the game 0-2 and competing in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, had no answer for Syracuse’s pressure. They managed just 26 points in the second half — fewer than the Orange scored in the first 12 minutes.
The Freshman Who Stepped In
Kiyan Anthony didn’t just fill the starting spot left open by an injury or rotation shift — he owned it. At 6’5", with quick hands and a smooth mid-range game, he looked like a veteran. His 19 points came on 7-of-12 shooting, including two threes. He added five rebounds and three assists, and his defensive rotations were sharp. "He didn’t look like a freshman," Axe noted. "He looked like someone who’s been here three years." Anthony wasn’t alone. Naithan George and William Kyle III added energy off the bench. Kyle, in particular, brought a physicality that shifted the tempo — something Axe called "exactly what we needed." The Orange used 10 different players in the first half alone, a sign of the kind of rotation coach Adrian Autry is building.
Defense That Changed the Game
It wasn’t just scoring. It was the 10 steals. Syracuse’s full-court pressure turned Delaware State’s half-court sets into turnovers. The Hornets turned the ball over 19 times — and Syracuse turned those into 18 fast-break points. Their defensive intensity wasn’t flashy, but it was relentless. Every pass was contested. Every drive was met with a hand in the face. The Hornets shot just 29% from the field — their lowest of the season — and made only 3 of 18 from three. "They didn’t just play defense," said one scout who watched the game. "They played with purpose. You can’t fake that."
A Crossover Season
The win came on the same day Syracuse football lost 45-10 to University of Miami in Miami Gardens — a brutal result that left fans frustrated. But in the Dome, basketball fans got something different: hope. "It’s a crossover season," Axe joked. "One sport’s going a little better than the other." For Syracuse fans, that’s enough for now. The basketball team is building momentum. The football team is rebuilding. But on this night, the Orange were all about the present.
What’s Next?
Syracuse’s next test comes on November 12, 2025, in Philadelphia, against Drexel University, as part of a doubleheader featuring NCAA tournament games. It’s not a marquee matchup, but it’s a chance to keep the momentum going before ACC play begins. Delaware State, meanwhile, returns home to Dover with a 0-3 record, facing another non-conference challenge before their MEAC opener. For the Hornets, this game was a reality check. For Syracuse, it was a confirmation: this team has the pieces to go somewhere.
Behind the Numbers
- Syracuse scored 83 points — their highest total of the 2025-2026 season so far
- Delaware State’s 43 points were the fewest allowed by Syracuse since a 90-41 win over St. Francis (PA) in 2023
- Kiyan Anthony became the first Syracuse freshman to score 19+ in his first start since Tyus Battle in 2016
- The Orange have now won 12 straight non-conference home games against MEAC opponents
- Brent Axe’s postgame show on November 9 drew 18% more listeners than the previous week, according to local radio ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Kiyan Anthony’s performance for Syracuse’s season?
Anthony’s 19-point debut isn’t just a feel-good story — it’s a strategic win. With Syracuse’s backcourt depth still developing, his ability to handle pressure, shoot from distance, and defend multiple positions gives coach Autry flexibility. If he continues at this pace, he could become a starter for the full season, easing the burden on Freeman and senior guard Naithan George. His performance suggests Syracuse’s recruiting class is already making an impact.
Why did Delaware State struggle so badly defensively?
Delaware State lacks the size, speed, and experience to match Syracuse’s athleticism. The Hornets’ tallest starter is 6’7", but they don’t have a true rim protector. Syracuse exploited that with drives, pick-and-rolls, and quick passes. Plus, their guards weren’t prepared for the full-court pressure — leading to 19 turnovers. The MEAC doesn’t typically face ACC-level intensity until conference play, so this was a steep learning curve.
What does this win mean for Syracuse’s ACC chances?
It’s early, but this win adds to Syracuse’s non-conference resume — something that matters for NCAA tournament seeding. If they keep playing with this energy and depth, they could be a dark horse in the ACC. They’re not the most talented team in the conference, but they’re the most disciplined. Their 10 steals against Delaware State showed they can disrupt elite offenses — a skill that’ll be critical against Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Is Brent Axe’s "blowout" comment a fair assessment?
Yes — but with context. Axe isn’t saying Syracuse is a national title contender yet. He’s saying they’re finally playing like a team that understands winning isn’t just about scoring — it’s about dominating when you’re supposed to. Last year, Syracuse lost to lower-tier teams like Binghamton. This year, they didn’t let Delaware State hang around. That mental shift — handling "bad teams" with efficiency — might be the biggest sign of improvement.
How does this game compare to past Syracuse blowouts?
The 40-point margin was Syracuse’s largest since a 91-46 win over Colgate in 2022. The 10 steals were their most since 2021 against Georgetown. What’s different this time? The balance. In past blowouts, one star carried the load. Here, Freeman led, but Anthony, George, Kyle, and even reserves like freshman guard Malik Carter contributed. It’s team basketball — the kind that wins in March.
What’s the significance of the JMA Wireless Dome in this win?
The Dome has been a fortress since 2020, with a 78% home win rate. But this game felt different — the crowd was louder, more engaged than in any non-conference game last season. The energy fed the defense. The players fed off it. That’s the intangible advantage of home court: when the crowd believes, the team believes. And for the first time since 2023, Syracuse fans are starting to believe again.