The good news? The Syracuse Orange didn’t lose to an adult beverage (John Collins) and the Wake Forest Demon Deacs. The bad news? Syracuse has a record of 12-9 after the 81-76 win. Nonetheless, Syracuse earned a victory by competing in a tight game down the stretch, a positive sign.

The adult beverage himself had a near double-double in the first half by scoring 13 points and hauling in 9 rebounds. Once Tyler Roberson picked up two quick fouls, Dajuan Coleman entered the game and did a solid job, all things considered. Coleman didn’t allow Collins to get good post position, but Collins did find gaps in the zone for five offensive rebounds. In a defensive battle, Wake took a 32-29 lead into the break.

The second half continued to be a grind-it-out affair as both teams battled on the defensive end. Syracuse and Wake traded baskets and defensive stops in what was a close game throughout.

Andrew White broke the tie with 1:20 remaining by knocking down a clutch triple, but Konstantinos Mitoglou responded with a long two. Tyler Lydon then knocked down a three on the ensuing possession, but Wake once again responded, this time with a three. Wake would then play the foul game and clutch free throws from Lydon, White and Taurean Thompson helped seal the victory late as Syracuse remained unbeaten all-time against Wake.

Stats

White had a big game by scoring 27 with five triples and went a perfect 10-10 from the line. Thompson had a great night on the offensive end by scoring 18 points. Lydon had 15 points and 9 rebounds while Tyus Battle had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. John Collins had 23 points and 12 rebounds for Wake.

Next up

Syracuse turns around to host the No. 6 ranked Florida State Seminoles on Saturday. That game tips off at 12 pm from the Carrier Dome and will air on ESPN2.