Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a high-stakes matchup against the Houston Cougars in the Players Era Championship on Monday, November 24, at 6:00 p.m. (EST) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Orange, currently boasting an undefeated record of 4-0, will face off against last year’s national runner-up and second-ranked Cougars, who are also perfect with a record of 5-0.
This notable matchup will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, marking a significant early-season test for the Orange. Syracuse has enjoyed a strong start, registering its best opening since the 2017-18 season with an impressive average scoring margin of 28.3 points. Central to their success has been a formidable defense that leads all Division I teams nationwide, allowing just 53.3 points per game. Opponents have struggled against Syracuse, hitting only 31% of their shots from the field.
Last week, the Orange faced the Monmouth Hawks, who managed to score 73 points—the highest any team has achieved against Syracuse this season. However, the Orange’s defense remained solid, forcing 12 turnovers and limiting their opponent’s shooting to just 38.6%.
On the offensive end, Syracuse has demonstrated efficiency, making 52.5% of their shots, with sophomore guard leading the charge by averaging 17.8 points per game. Freshman star isn’t far behind, contributing 14.8 points per contest. Notably, several players are maintaining shooting percentages above 50%, including who has made a remarkable 73.1% of his attempts.
The return of senior guard is also a welcome boost for the Orange, who made a comeback against Monmouth after missing two games due to injury, scoring 11 points in his return.
On the other side of the court, Houston comes into the game riding high after a successful 35-5 season last year, capped off with a trip to the NCAA National Championship. This year, they’ve continued their dominance, winning each of their first five games by an average margin of 17.3 points and holding opponents to just 55.5 points per game.
Houston’s roster includes redshirt senior Emanuel Sharp, a crucial player who has consistently performed well, averaging 16.0 points per game. Additionally, freshman sensation Kingston Flemings has quickly become the leading scorer for the Cougars, averaging 17.4 points per game and showing remarkable shooting efficiency.
With both teams showcasing the nation’s top defensive strategies and a blend of seasoned talent and youthful energy, this matchup promises to be an exhilarating contest. A historical aspect adds further intrigue, as this marks only the third meeting between Syracuse and Houston, with the series currently tied at one win each.
This game not only sets the stage for a thrilling encounter between two strong teams but also highlights the potential that both programs have as they seek to make their marks this season. Fans can secure their tickets for the remainder of Syracuse’s season through the team’s official website.