Last weekend we had a lot of national media attention focused on Syracuse men’s basketball because Kiyan Anthony didn’t play against Virginia.
Obviously Orange fans are frustrated with the last few years of on-court success and the negative attention got some of those frustrations boliing over. To his credit, Anthony kept his head down and while he didn’t make a shot in the win over California, he was ready on Saturday.
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During the first half, Kiyan didn’t score but he didn’t force things as he had been doing during ACC play. When start JJ Starling struggled to start the second half, Adrian Autry turned to Anthony to give the offense a lift. The Orange were down 51-41 when the freshman was called upon and his first make brought Syracuse to within 56-47. It was a shot that showed the instincts he possesses as he slides out from the basket to allow the entry pass from Nait George.
SMU spent the next few minutes holding the Orange off but Anthony got a lay-up then a long 3 and helped ignite the Dome crowd. Syracuse chipped away at the SMU lead getting outside shots from George, Kingz. and Tyler Betsey before Kiyan’s layup and free throw gave Syracuse a 72-71 lead.
It was the last shot he hit, but Anthony finished with 13 points in 24 minutes on 5-10 shooting, 2-4 from 3. He made his only free throw attempt and added two rebounds and one assist. He was more active on the defensive end and his offense helped Syracuse find more open looks down the stretch. After the game, Kiyan spoke about staying ready.
With a trip to top-five Duke tonight, Syracuse will need everyone to step up and Anthony is welcoming the opportunity in front of the Cameron Crazies.
