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Syracuse vs. Drexel: Carrier Dome Clash Could Decide ACC Play-In

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 12:35 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Syracuse vs. Drexel: A Preview of the Big East‑A10 Clash

Syracuse’s men’s basketball team will take on the Drexel Blue‑and‑Gold in what could be a pivotal non‑conference outing this season. The game, set for Sunday night at the Carrier Dome, pits the Syracuse Orange—an ACC squad chasing a berth in the postseason tournament—against a young, fast‑moving Drexel side that has been quietly assembling a reputation as one of the Atlantic 10’s most exciting teams.

1. The Context

Syracuse’s Season to Date

The Orange have found themselves in a precarious position in the ACC. As of the latest regular‑season schedule, Syracuse sits 13‑10 overall, with a 7‑8 record in the conference. They’re hovering near the middle of the pack, a position that could make the difference between an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and a walk‑away. The team’s recent streak of four straight losses has put a dent in their confidence, yet they still retain a strong chance for an at‑large invitation thanks to a solid overall resume, quality wins against top teams, and a defensive scheme that has been a staple of Jim Boeheim’s coaching philosophy for decades.

In terms of personnel, Syracuse’s core is anchored by junior guard DJ Horne and senior guard T.J. McConnell. Horne, who averaged 12.5 points per game last season, is coming off a season where he hit his most shots in school history. McConnell, a versatile defender, has been a quiet stabilizer at the perimeter. The team’s frontcourt is built around Dorian Hayes—a power forward who’s been a consistent inside presence—and Jae'Veon Johnson, a sophomore who has shown flashes of scoring prowess in high‑pressure moments.

The Orange have also leaned heavily on Cody Wright and Michael McDonald, who have developed into the team's leading ball‑handlers and floor general. The roster also features a mix of incoming freshmen and transfer players, such as Anthony Davis, who was expected to make an immediate impact as a backup guard.

Drexel’s Season to Date

The Drexel Blue‑and‑Gold have been a rising star in the A10. With a 9‑3 record in conference play, the Blue‑and‑Gold have been winning on the fly. The team is led by senior guard Khalil Robinson (not to be confused with the NBA namesake). Robinson is a shooting guard who averages 15.5 points per game and is the team’s primary scorer. He’s paired with junior guard Cory Anderson, a three‑time conference player‑of‑the‑week, and senior center Bobby Thompson, a post player who averages 7.2 rebounds per game.

Under the guidance of Coach Zach Spiker, Drexel’s style is a blend of high‑energy defense and an uptempo offense that relies on perimeter shooting. The Blue‑and‑Gold have proven to be a challenge for even the most seasoned teams because of their relentless pressure and quick transition game. The team's ability to convert on fast‑break points has been a key factor in their recent success.

2. Tactical Matchup

Syracuse will aim to rely on their strong interior defense, a hallmark of Boeheim’s system. With Hayes and Johnson anchoring the paint, Syracuse expects to force Drexel into contested mid‑range shots. Additionally, the Orange’s perimeter defense will be crucial. Boeheim’s defensive rotations are often praised for stifling shooters, and if Syracuse can limit Robinson’s outside shooting, they may keep Drexel below their average points per game.

Drexel’s strategy will likely focus on speed. By using the full court, they will try to overwhelm Syracuse’s frontcourt, forcing them into defensive breakdowns and forcing the Orange to switch between two‑man and zone defenses. Drexel’s coaching staff has emphasized using fast‑break points and will be looking to capitalize on their ability to hit three‑pointers on the break.

The key question for the Orange is whether they can maintain their defensive intensity throughout the game, especially on the second half when Drexel is known to surge. For Drexel, the challenge will be to counter the Orange’s post game and limit the number of high‑percentage shots from the paint.

3. Historical Insight

The last meeting between Syracuse and Drexel took place in the 2020–21 season, when the Orange won 75‑58 at the Carrier Dome. In that game, DJ Horne scored 18 points, while Drexel’s Khalil Robinson was held to 14 points. The last time the two teams met in a neutral‑site game, Syracuse emerged victorious by 11 points.

Over the last five meetings between the teams, Syracuse has won three times, with Drexel taking the other two. While the rivalry is relatively mild, the Orange’s coaching staff uses these games as an opportunity to test the team's resilience and adapt their game plan in preparation for the conference play.

4. Implications for the Season

This game could prove to be a turning point for the Orange. A win will boost their confidence and improve their seedings for the ACC tournament. The team will have to maintain a strong defensive focus and rely on key players to step up in crucial moments. Conversely, a loss could push Syracuse down the ACC standings and reduce their chances of an at‑large bid.

Drexel’s victory, on the other hand, would help them solidify their standing in the Atlantic 10 and could set them up for a top seed in the conference tournament. The Blue‑and‑Gold have already demonstrated that they can compete with teams from larger conferences, and a victory over Syracuse would underscore that narrative.

5. Key Players to Watch

6. Final Thoughts

Syracuse’s Orange will need to keep their focus on defensive intensity, limit Drexel’s transition points, and capitalize on the scoring opportunities that arise from turnovers. Drexel, on the other hand, will have to maintain a high level of offensive pressure and force Syracuse into defensive lapses. The game will test the ability of both teams to adjust on the fly and will likely provide a clear indicator of how each squad will fare in the remaining regular‑season and conference tournaments.

In the end, the outcome will hinge on a combination of strategic execution, individual performance, and coaching adaptability. Fans can expect a high‑energy, competitive game that will have implications for both teams’ future in the postseason. Whether the Orange will close a crucial gap in their record or the Blue‑and‑Gold will extend their rising trajectory remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the matchup is set to be an exciting showdown for college basketball enthusiasts.