SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Naithan George scored 22 points and Syracuse capitalized on a massive advantage at the free throw line to hold off Northeastern 91-83 in a men’s nonconference basketball game Saturday at the Carrier Dome. The Orange, who improved to 7-4, shot 34 for 48 from the foul line, while the Huskies attempted only 20 free throws, making 13. Syracuse led 41-31 at halftime and maintained its margin despite Northeastern’s 52-point second half. George added six assists for Syracuse. Ryan Williams led Northeastern (4-6) with 20 points. The Huskies’ Xander Alarie scored 19 and Youri Fritz added 17. Syracuse next hosts Stonehill on Monday. Northeastern visits Rhode Island.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — Naithan George scored 22 points and Syracuse converted a staggering 34 free throws to outlast a persistent Northeastern team 91-83 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Carrier Dome. A crowd of 13,273 watched the Orange improve to 7-4, while the Huskies fell to 4-6. The game’s defining characteristic was a parade to the foul line, with Syracuse attempting 48 free throws compared to just 20 for Northeastern. The Orange’s 34 makes from the charity stripe proved to be the ultimate difference, offsetting a more efficient shooting afternoon from the field by the visitors. Syracuse shot 50.9% from the floor but only 25% from 3-point range. Northeastern shot 47.7% overall and 34.8% from beyond the arc. The most important sequence of the game unfolded late in the second half as Northeastern refused to fade. After trailing by 10 at halftime, the Huskies mounted a sustained charge, cutting the deficit to just two points on multiple occasions. With just over three minutes remaining, Ryan Williams’ layup brought Northeastern within 79-77, capping a run that showcased the team’s resilience. Syracuse responded with composure at the line. Following a media timeout, the Orange drew fouls on four of their next five possessions. Kiyan Anthony and William Kyle combined to hit three of four free throws, and after a Northeastern turnover, Tyler Betsey hit a floating jumper to push the lead back to seven at 84-77 with 1:40 to play. Northeastern was forced to foul repeatedly in the final minute, and Syracuse sealed the victory by making seven of eight free throws down the stretch, with George accounting for four of those makes. George, a guard from Toronto, led all scorers and added six assists. His ability to penetrate and draw contact was central to Syracuse’s offensive strategy. Anthony added 18 points off the bench for the Orange, while Nate Kingz and Betsey each scored 14. William Kyle also scored 14 points, grabbed several key rebounds and blocked three shots. Northeastern was led by a 20-point effort from Ryan Williams in just 23 minutes of action. Xander Alarie scored 19 points and Youri Fritz added 17 points and two blocks for the Huskies. Mike Loughnane facilitated the offense with a game-high seven assists. The first half set the tone for the physical contest. Syracuse built its lead primarily from the free-throw line, attempting 20 free throws before halftime and making 14. Despite Northeastern’s Fritz blocking two early shots to set a defensive tone, the Huskies struggled to contain Syracuse’s drives without fouling. The Orange led 41-31 at the break. Northeastern opened the second half with increased energy, leveraging a 21-19 advantage in fast-break points to create easier scoring opportunities. A 9-2 run midway through the half, fueled by Williams and Alarie, brought the Huskies back into the game and set the stage for the tense final minutes. Syracuse’s significant edge in free-throw attempts and makes ultimately provided the cushion needed to withstand Northeastern’s efficient offensive performance, which saw the Huskies post an offensive rating of 117.7 points per 100 possessions. The Orange finished with an offensive rating of 125.0. Syracuse next hosts Stonehill on Monday. Northeastern travels to face Rhode Island, also on Monday.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The Syracuse Orange look to build momentum before Atlantic Coast Conference play when they host the Northeastern Huskies in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse (6-4) enters off a 76-62 win over Mercyhurst on Wednesday, while Northeastern (4-5) last played on Dec. 7, a 73-56 victory over Central Connecticut. The Orange have been inconsistent, posting a 6-1 record at home but going 0-3 in a challenging early-season stretch at the Maui Invitational, with losses to Houston, Kansas and Iowa State. A key figure in their lineup is forward William Kyle, who has been a defensive force. Over his last three games, Kyle has averaged 13.3 points and 4.3 blocks, including a 15-point, 5-block performance against Mercyhurst. Northeastern has struggled on the road, with an 0-3 record in true away games. The Huskies will rely on forward Ty Francis, who is coming off a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Central Connecticut. Francis’ production has varied, however; he was held scoreless in 27 minutes in a loss at Holy Cross on Dec. 3. Syracuse’s offense is paced by guards Naithan George and JJ Starling, who combined for 27 points in the midweek win. The Orange have dominated at the Carrier Dome, winning by an average margin of 27 points in their six home victories this season. For Northeastern, secondary scoring behind Francis will be critical. William Kermoury (18 points) and Xavier Abreu (15 points) provided a boost in the team’s last outing. This game marks the final tune-up for Syracuse before it begins its ACC slate against Clemson on Dec. 31. Northeastern opens Colonial Athletic Association play on Dec. 29 at Elon. The Huskies face a steep challenge against a Syracuse team that has defended its home court decisively this season. The Orange’s size and rim protection, led by Kyle, will test a Northeastern squad seeking its first significant road win.