Syracuse Edges California in Double Overtime Thriller
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · JMA Wireless Dome
Syracuse Orange 107, California Golden Bears 100, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won California Golden Bears vs Syracuse Orange?
Syracuse Orange beat California Golden Bears 107-100 at JMA Wireless Dome on February 11, 2026.
Who was favored in California Golden Bears vs Syracuse Orange?
Syracuse Orange were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup that extended into double overtime, the Syracuse Orange triumphed over the California Golden Bears with a final score of 107-100. This victory at the JMA Wireless Dome marked an important win for Syracuse, especially given their recent struggles, as they had lost their last two games prior to this contest.
Syracuse entered the game with a home record of 14-11 and a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, averaging 77.2 points scored while allowing 79.1 points. Their last five games had been particularly challenging, with a record of 1-4 and an average of 73.2 points scored against 80.8 points allowed. In contrast, California came into the game with a 17-8 record and a more balanced recent performance, having gone 5-5 in their last ten games, scoring an average of 71.7 points and allowing 75.8 points. The Golden Bears had lost their last game against the Clemson Tigers, which added to the anticipation of this matchup.
The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their offensive capabilities. The scoring was intense, particularly in the second half and overtime periods. Syracuse's ability to capitalize on free throws in the closing moments of the game proved crucial, as players like Naithan George and J.J. Starling made significant contributions from the charity stripe. In the second overtime, George made two free throws that pushed Syracuse's lead to 104-98, while Starling added another free throw to seal the victory.
Historically, these teams had met only once before, with Syracuse winning that encounter 75-66 in February 2025. This prior victory may have provided the Orange with additional confidence heading into this game. The conditions at the JMA Wireless Dome were favorable for Syracuse, as they typically perform well at home, despite their recent inconsistency.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Syracuse favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 148.5. The odds reflected a belief in Syracuse's potential to perform well at home, despite their recent struggles. The spread and total indicated an expectation of a competitive game, which ultimately played out as anticipated.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams had been navigating their respective challenges throughout the season. The absence or presence of key players can often shift the dynamics of such close contests.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both squads. The final moments of regulation and the overtime periods were particularly gripping, with each possession becoming increasingly critical. Syracuse's ability to execute under pressure, especially in free throw situations, highlighted their resilience and determination to secure the win.
Overall, this matchup not only provided an exciting spectacle for fans but also served as a pivotal moment for Syracuse as they look to regain momentum in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SYR -6.5 | 148.5 o -110 / u -110 | California Golden Bears +245 · Syracuse Orange -305 |
Leaders
- PointsNate Kingz27Syracuse Orange
- AssistsNaithan George10Syracuse Orange
- ReboundsWilliam Kyle III16Syracuse Orange
- PointsDai Dai Ames23California Golden Bears
- AssistsJustin Pippen7California Golden Bears
- ReboundsMilos Ilic14California Golden Bears
Recent form
Syracuse Orange
Last 10: 4-6Streak L277.2 scored · 79.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L59-72at Virginia CavaliersFeb 7
- L77-87at North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 3
- W86-72vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 31
- L68-88at NC State WolfpackJan 28
- L76-85vs Miami HurricanesJan 24
- L74-76vs Virginia Tech HokiesJan 22
- L73-81at Boston College EaglesJan 17
- W94-86vs Florida State SeminolesJan 14
- W83-72at Pittsburgh PanthersJan 10
- W82-72at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 7
California Golden Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak L171.7 scored · 75.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- L55-77vs Clemson TigersFeb 8
- W90-85vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 5
- W86-85at Miami HurricanesJan 31
- L61-63at Florida State SeminolesJan 29
- W78-66at Stanford CardinalJan 25
- W84-78vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 17
- L56-71vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 15
- L75-78at Virginia Tech HokiesJan 10
- L60-84at Virginia CavaliersJan 8
- W72-71vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 3
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | California Golden Bears | Syracuse Orange |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 35-77 | 38-71 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 11-30 | 6-25 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 24 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 25-42 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 60 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 30 |
| Assists | 16 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 62 |
| Fouls | 26 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 28 | 28 |
| Time in front | 48 | 37 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half74-71Dai Dai Ames makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-73J.J. Starling makes driving layup
- 2nd Half74-75Nate Kingz makes layup
- 2nd Half75-75Milos Ilic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-75Milos Ilic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-78Naithan George makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nate Kingz assists)
- 2nd Half78-78Dai Dai Ames makes layup
- OT78-79Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT80-79Dai Dai Ames makes layup
- OT80-81William Kyle III makes 0-foot tip in layup
- OT81-81Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT82-81Dai Dai Ames makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT82-83Donnie Freeman makes 4-foot pullup jump shot
- OT85-83Chris Bell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Semetri Carr assists)
- OT85-84Nate Kingz makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT87-84Dai Dai Ames makes layup
- OT87-86Nate Kingz makes driving layup
- OT87-87Nate Kingz makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT87-89J.J. Starling makes driving layup
- OT87-90Naithan George makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT89-90Dai Dai Ames makes 18-foot jumper
- OT89-91Nate Kingz makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT91-91Milos Ilic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2OT91-92William Kyle III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT91-94Donnie Freeman makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2OT93-94Milos Ilic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2OT93-96Donnie Freeman makes layup (Naithan George assists)
- 2OT93-99Nate Kingz makes 26-foot three point jumper (J.J. Starling assists)
- 2OT94-99John Camden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT95-99John Camden makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT95-100Nate Kingz makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT95-102Donnie Freeman makes layup (Nate Kingz assists)
- 2OT98-102John Camden makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2OT98-103Naithan George makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT98-104Naithan George makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT99-104Chris Bell makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2OT100-104Chris Bell makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2OT100-105Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT100-106Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT100-107J.J. Starling makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Syracuse Orange, below favours California Golden Bears.
Venue
- JMA Wireless DomeSyracuse, NY
- Attendance19053
- OfficialsBill Covington Jr., Matt Potter, Clarence Armstrong
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond