Bucknell's Historic Upset Over Syracuse: How Did They Do It?

has buckbell beat syracuse in basketball

Syracuse and Bucknell have faced off against each other several times in men's basketball, with Syracuse currently holding a 9-1 lead in the all-time series. Bucknell's sole victory over Syracuse was a 74-69 win at the Carrier Dome in November 2005. More recently, in December 2024, Syracuse beat Bucknell 75-63, and in September 2023, Syracuse dominated in a 97-46 victory.

Characteristics Values
Date of latest match December 28, 2024
Final score Syracuse (75), Bucknell (63)
Syracuse's record before the game 5-6
Bucknell's record before the game 4-8
Syracuse's previous score Loss to Maryland, 87-60
Bucknell's previous score Loss to Penn State, 98-70
All-time series winner Syracuse (9-1)
Bucknell's win over Syracuse 74-69

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Bucknell's lone win over Syracuse

Syracuse and Bucknell first met during the 1914-15 basketball season, with Syracuse winning 37-20. The two schools have played each other ten times, with Syracuse holding a 9-1 lead in the series. However, Bucknell's lone win over Syracuse came during the 2005-06 season, when the Bison beat the Orange 74-69 at the Carrier Dome on November 22, 2005. That year, the Bison went on to win the Patriot League's regular-season and tournament crowns. They also advanced to the NCAA tournament, where they beat No. 8 Arkansas in the first round before falling to No. 1 seed Memphis in the second.

Bucknell has had a strong presence in the Patriot League in recent years, winning the league title in five consecutive seasons and eight of the last nine years. Their success has been attributed to players like Nate Sestina, an All-Patriot League first-team player who finished his degree early and transferred to Kentucky. John Meeks, a 6-foot-6 junior forward, has also been a key contributor, leading the team in scoring despite limited playing time.

Syracuse, on the other hand, has had a more mixed record. In 2019, they suffered an early-season loss to Virginia but rebounded with three straight wins. Their game against Bucknell in 2019 resulted in a dominant 97-46 victory for Syracuse, with strong performances by Buddy Boeheim and Elijah Hughes.

The most recent matchup between Syracuse and Bucknell took place on December 28, 2024, with Syracuse winning 75-63. Syracuse used a strong first-half run to take the lead and maintain their advantage throughout the game. Despite numerous turnovers, Syracuse was able to secure the win with key contributions from Eddie Lampkin and Donnie Freeman.

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Syracuse's 2023 domination

Syracuse dominated Bucknell in a 2023 basketball game, winning 97-46. The Orange played with energy, zooming out to a 51-26 halftime lead and cruising to victory. Syracuse held Bucknell to a season-low 46 points, with the Bison shooting just 12.5% from 3-point range. This performance gave Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim the opportunity to give his bench players extended playing time.

Syracuse's 51 points in the first half were the most in a game's first half since the 2016-17 season, when they scored 53 against Eastern Michigan. The 51-point final margin was also the largest in a Syracuse win since they beat Monmouth 108-56 in December 2016.

Syracuse's victory continued their domination in the series against Bucknell, giving them a 9-1 lead in the all-time series. Bucknell's lone win came in 2005, when they beat Syracuse 74-69 at the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse's 2023 win over Bucknell was part of a three-game winning streak for the Orange, who had dropped their season-opener to Virginia. Bucknell, meanwhile, had suffered a 98-70 loss to undefeated Penn State prior to their matchup with Syracuse.

Syracuse's domination in the 2023 game against Bucknell was a preview of their continued success in the 2024-25 season. The Orange faced Bucknell again on December 28, 2024, winning 75-63. This game marked Syracuse's final non-conference game of the 2024-25 season, and they were able to end it on a high note after a difficult stretch that included losses to Maryland and Georgetown.

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Bucknell's 5-year streak as league champions

Bucknell and Syracuse first met on the basketball court during the 1914-15 season, with Syracuse winning 37-20. Syracuse dominated their 2019 matchup, winning 97-46. However, Bucknell has enjoyed success in the Patriot League, winning five straight regular-season titles. Their 2005-06 team won the Patriot League's regular-season and tournament crowns.

Bucknell's five-year streak as league champions is the second-longest active streak in the country, only behind Gonzaga's seven straight West Coast Conference titles. Bucknell has won the Patriot League title in eight of the last nine years, including a shared championship with Colgate. The Bison have had success in the NCAA tournament as well, advancing to the second round in consecutive years in 2017 and 2018.

In 2019, Bucknell suffered a narrow loss to Canisius (83-81) and a heavier defeat to undefeated Penn State (98-70). Despite these losses, Bucknell's John Meeks was the team's leading scorer, averaging 13.6 points per game. The Bison's success in the Patriot League and their ability to advance in the NCAA tournament highlight their strong performance over the years.

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Syracuse's 2019 winning streak

Syracuse University's basketball team had a successful outing in 2019, winning three straight games after losing its season opener to Virginia. The team's winning streak continued into 2023, where they clobbered Bucknell with a score of 97-46. Syracuse's dominance in this particular game was evident from the start, as they led 51-26 at halftime and maintained their lead throughout the game.

Syracuse's basketball team, also known as the Orange, showcased their prowess in the 2019-2023 seasons. In the game against Bucknell, they held their opponents to a season-low 46 points, demonstrating their defensive strength. The blowout victory allowed Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim to give his bench players valuable playing time, providing them with experience and the opportunity to develop their skills.

Syracuse's basketball success extends beyond their victory over Bucknell. They hold a 9-1 lead in the all-time series against Bucknell, with the Bison's lone win occurring not long ago in 2005-2006. Syracuse's basketball program has consistently performed well, with their women's team also achieving notable results.

Syracuse University's athletic achievements are not limited to basketball, as their football team, also known as the Orange, represented the university during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Dino Babers, the team finished the season with a respectable 5-7 record, showcasing the university's well-rounded athletic prowess.

Overall, Syracuse University's basketball team demonstrated a strong performance, particularly in their winning streak that spanned from 2019 to 2023. The Orange's victory over Bucknell highlighted their talent and depth, as they continue to build a legacy of basketball excellence.

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Bucknell's 2005-06 NCAA tournament run

The 2005-06 NCAA tournament run was a memorable one for Bucknell, as they pulled off a huge upset and went on a deep run in the tournament.

The Bison entered the tournament as the Patriot League champions, and in the first round, they faced off against the No. 3 seed Kansas Jayhawks. Bucknell pulled off the stunning upset, with Chris McNaughton scoring on a bank shot with 10.5 seconds left to give the Bison a one-point lead. Kansas' Wayne Simien then missed an open shot as time expired, and Bucknell secured the victory. This win earned Bucknell an ESPY award for the Greatest Upset.

In the second round, Bucknell continued their Cinderella run, beating No. 8 Arkansas 59-55 or 56-55. This marked the second consecutive year that Bucknell had advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, their run came to an end in the next round as they fell to the No. 1 seed Memphis.

Bucknell's success in the 2005-06 season extended beyond the NCAA Tournament. They also won the Patriot League's regular-season crown and added a tournament crown to their achievements. Their overall streak is impressive, with five consecutive league championships, second only to Gonzaga's seven straight conference titles.

While Bucknell has had notable successes, their record against Syracuse is less favourable. Syracuse holds a 9-1 lead in the all-time series. However, Bucknell's lone win against Syracuse was a memorable one, with the Bison beating them 74-69 at the Carrier Dome. More recently, in 2023, Syracuse dominated Bucknell in a 97-46 victory, holding them to a season-low score.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Bucknell has beaten Syracuse in basketball. In 2005, Bucknell beat Syracuse 74-69 at the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse holds a 9-1 lead in the all-time series against Bucknell.

On December 28, 2024, Syracuse beat Bucknell with a final score of 75-63.

The highest-scoring game between Syracuse and Bucknell took place on September 15, 2023, with Syracuse winning 97-46.

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