Kiyan Anthony is huge as Syracuse basketball storms back to beat SMU by one point

Lately, Syracuse basketball freshman shooting guard Kiyan Anthony has been a big topic of conversation, based on his struggles on the court, his lack of playing time, and comments from his dad, Orange legend Carmelo Anthony.

None of that mattered on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. Kiyan Anthony was fabulous in the second half, helping guide the 'Cuse to a massive one-point victory over a quality SMU group that is eying an NCAA Tournament berth this spring.

Redshirt senior small forward Nate Kingz hit a layup with about two seconds to go in regulation, the Mustangs missed a desperation heave from deep, and the Orange beat SMU, 79-78. The 'Cuse (15-11 overall, 6-7 in ACC) is now 1-2 in its all-time series with the Mustangs.

With about 12 minutes remaining in the second half, SMU led the Orange, 61-49. The Mustangs were dominating on the glass and in the paint. In fact, SU's largest lead came at 11-9 in the first half, and the 'Cuse only held a lead for 1:33 in this contest. Credit the Orange for hanging around and fighting tough in generating a quadrant-two success over SMU, which has an NCAA NET ranking of No. 35.

Syracuse basketball, up next, will travel to No. 4 Duke, the Atlantic Coast Conference's top team, on Monday night. The Orange boasts a bit of momentum heading into that conference clash, having captured two straight triumphs.

Syracuse basketball notched one of its best wins of the 2025-26 season on Saturday.

A key to SU's terrific comeback was that it fared better in the rebounding department in the second half, and the 'Cuse connected better from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes. Anthony and Kingz each finished with 13 points.

Sophomore power forward Donnie Freeman led Syracuse basketball with 18 points. Junior point guard Naithan George tallied 16 points, while sophomore forward Tyler Betsey chipped in eight points.

Team-wise, SMU made 43.3 percent from the field, 35.0 percent from 3-point land and 76.5 percent from the free-throw line. Syracuse basketball connected on 45.0 percent from the field, 36.7 percent from downtown and 77.8 percent from the charity stripe. The Orange going 14-of-18 from the free-throw line was pivotal in the 'Cuse staying within striking distance of the Mustangs.

In statistical categories, SMU led 41-35 in total rebounds, 16-11 in offensive rebounds, 25-24 in defensive rebounds, 16-14 in assists, 8-6 in turnovers forced, 13-6 in fast-break points, 6-2 in steals, 10-8 in points off turnovers, 44-26 in paint points and 27-6 in second-chance points.

Syracuse basketball, meanwhile, led 24-21 in bench points. The contributions from reserves Anthony and Betsey were monumental. Candidly, SMU out-played the Orange. But the 'Cuse did just enough to steal this game from the Mustangs. On to the Blue Devils!