NCAAB · Final

Clemson Edges Syracuse in Close Contest

Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · JMA Wireless Dome

Clemson Tigers 64, Syracuse Orange 61, 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 Clemson Tigers vs Syracuse Orange?

Clemson Tigers beat Syracuse Orange 64-61 at JMA Wireless Dome on December 31, 2025.

Who was favored in Clemson Tigers vs Syracuse Orange?

Clemson Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Clemson Tigers narrowly defeated the Syracuse Orange 64-61 at the JMA Wireless Dome. This game was notable as it marked the first meeting between the two teams in the 2025 season, with Clemson having won the previous encounter 86-72 on January 23, 2025. The victory adds to Clemson's strong away record, improving it to 6-0 in away games this season.

Clemson entered the game with an overall record of 11-3 and a recent form of 7-3 over their last ten games, riding a three-game winning streak. They averaged 76.8 points scored and allowed 70.3 points during this stretch. Their last five games showed a record of 3-2, with an average of 70.8 points scored and 69.2 points allowed. In contrast, Syracuse, with a home record of 9-5, had a record of 6-4 in their last ten games and was also on a three-game winning streak. The Orange averaged 72.2 points scored and allowed 70.3 points during their recent form, with their last five games yielding an average of 76.8 points scored and 65.2 points allowed.

The game began with both teams exchanging leads, but it was Clemson's ability to capitalize on key moments in the second half that ultimately secured their victory. Notably, Donnie Freeman made a significant impact, hitting a 27-foot three-point jumper to extend Clemson's lead to 59-55. Following that, Jestin Porter scored a driving layup, bringing the score to 61-55. Freeman continued to add to the score with free throws, while Syracuse attempted to close the gap with Naithan George contributing a jumper and a layup. Despite their efforts, Syracuse could not regain the lead, and Clemson held on for the win.

The betting market reflected a close matchup, with DraftKings listing Clemson as a slight favorite with a spread of 1.5 points. The total points line was set at 140.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring environment. The odds for the moneyline were +105 for Syracuse and -125 for Clemson, further emphasizing the tight nature of the contest.

In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, suggesting both squads were at full strength for this important matchup. The conditions at the JMA Wireless Dome were typical for a basketball game, with the venue providing a vibrant atmosphere for the home crowd.

As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of defensive strategies and clutch performances, particularly from Clemson's players who executed well under pressure. The final score of 64-61 highlights the competitive spirit of both teams, making this a must-watch for fans of college basketball.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CLEM -1.5	140.5 o -112 / u -108	Clemson Tigers -125 · Syracuse Orange +105

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDonnie Freeman18Syracuse Orange
AssistsNaithan George6Syracuse Orange
ReboundsDonnie Freeman9Syracuse Orange
PointsRJ Godfrey14Clemson Tigers
AssistsRJ Godfrey2Clemson Tigers
ReboundsCarter Welling5Clemson Tigers

Recent form

Syracuse Orange

Last 10: 6-4Streak W372.2 scored · 70.3 allowed per game6-1 at home

W77-48vs Stonehill SkyhawksDec 23
W91-83vs Northeastern HuskiesDec 20
W76-62vs Mercyhurst LakersDec 18
L69-70vs Hofstra PrideDec 13
W71-63vs Saint Joseph's HawksDec 12
W62-60vs Tennessee VolunteersDec 3
L64-95at Iowa State CyclonesNov 26
L60-71at Kansas JayhawksNov 25
L74-78at Houston CougarsNov 24
W78-73vs Monmouth HawksNov 19

Clemson Tigers

Last 10: 7-3Streak W376.8 scored · 70.3 allowed per game1-3 away

W68-65vs Cincinnati BearcatsDec 21
W68-61vs South Carolina GamecocksDec 17
W70-63vs Mercer BearsDec 13
L64-67at BYU CougarsDec 9
L84-90at Alabama Crimson TideDec 4
W92-56vs Alabama A&M BulldogsNov 29
W97-94at Georgia BulldogsNov 23
W70-67vs West Virginia MountaineersNov 21
W81-61vs North Alabama LionsNov 18
L74-79at Georgetown HoyasNov 15

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	Clemson Tigers	Syracuse Orange
Field goals	27-56	18-45
Field goal %	48	40
Three-pointers	4-16	5-15
Three-point %	25	33
Free throws	6-12	20-24
Free throw %	50	83
Rebounds	31	30
Offensive rebounds	7	5
Defensive rebounds	24	25
Assists	9	8
Steals	10	3
Blocks	2	6
Turnovers	12	15
Team turnovers	4	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	13	13
Fast-break points	6	13
Points in the paint	46	24
Fouls	18	14
Largest lead	10	1
Lead changes	11	11
Time in front	86	12

How the scoring went

1st Half29-28Ace Buckner makes 15-foot jumper
2nd Half29-30J.J. Starling makes driving layup
2nd Half31-30RJ Godfrey makes driving layup
2nd Half33-30Carter Welling makes driving layup
2nd Half33-32Nate Kingz makes layup
2nd Half34-32Carter Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half36-32Jake Wahlin makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half38-32RJ Godfrey makes 4-foot dunk (Nick Davidson assists)
2nd Half40-32Ace Buckner makes layup
2nd Half40-33Kiyan Anthony makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half43-33Butta Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (RJ Godfrey assists)
2nd Half43-34Naithan George makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half43-35Naithan George makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half43-37Donnie Freeman makes 5-foot jumper
2nd Half44-37Ace Buckner makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half44-39Donnie Freeman makes driving layup
2nd Half46-39Ace Buckner makes 5-foot jumper
2nd Half47-39Ace Buckner makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half47-41Kiyan Anthony makes driving layup
2nd Half47-42Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half47-43Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half49-43Nick Davidson makes 4-foot dunk (Jake Wahlin assists)
2nd Half49-45William Kyle III makes 5-foot dunk (J.J. Starling assists)
2nd Half51-45RJ Godfrey makes driving layup
2nd Half51-46William Kyle III makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half51-47William Kyle III makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-47Dillon Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jestin Porter assists)
2nd Half54-50Donnie Freeman makes 28-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half57-50Dillon Hunter makes 27-foot three point jumper
2nd Half59-50Dillon Hunter makes layup (RJ Godfrey assists)
2nd Half59-51Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half59-52Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-55Donnie Freeman makes 27-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half61-55Jestin Porter makes driving layup
2nd Half61-56Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-57Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half63-57Jestin Porter makes layup (Carter Welling assists)
2nd Half63-59Naithan George makes 12-foot jumper
2nd Half63-61Donnie Freeman makes layup (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half64-61Carter Welling makes free throw 1 of 2