NCAAB · Final

Wake Forest Tops Syracuse in Close Contest

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 5:45 PM ET · LJVM Coliseum

Wake Forest Demon Deacons 88, Syracuse Orange 83, 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 Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons?

Wake Forest Demon Deacons beat Syracuse Orange 88-83 at LJVM Coliseum on February 28, 2026.

Who was favored in Syracuse Orange vs Wake Forest Demon Deacons?

Wake Forest Demon Deacons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.

In a thrilling matchup at LJVM Coliseum, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons edged out the Syracuse Orange with a final score of 88-83. This game was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered with identical records of 15-14, showcasing the competitive nature of the fixture. The victory not only marked a significant moment for Wake Forest but also continued their dominance in the head-to-head matchup, improving their record against Syracuse to 2-0 in recent encounters, having previously won 81-71 on December 31, 2024.

Both teams have struggled recently, with Wake Forest holding a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. They have averaged 74.8 points scored while allowing 80.2 points per game during this stretch. Their recent form includes two consecutive losses, with their last five games yielding an average of 73.2 points scored and 71.4 points allowed. Syracuse, on the other hand, has also recorded a 3-7 record in their last ten outings, averaging 75.4 points scored and 83.6 points allowed. They too are on a two-game losing streak, with their last five games averaging 74.6 points scored and 85.6 points allowed.

At home, Wake Forest has a record of 2-3 in their last five games, while Syracuse has struggled significantly on the road, failing to secure a win in their last four away games. This home advantage could have played a crucial role in their performance against Syracuse.

In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have faced challenges that may have affected their recent performances. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Wake Forest favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds reflected the tight nature of the contest, indicating that both teams were seen as evenly matched.

The conditions during the game were conducive to a high-scoring affair, which was evident in the final score. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with key moments including Donnie Freeman's free throw and Sebastian Akins' driving layup that helped maintain Wake Forest's lead in the closing minutes. The game featured a series of critical plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Tyler Betsey's three-point jumper for Syracuse coming late but ultimately falling short.

Viewers should have noted the intensity of the game, particularly in the second half, where both teams exchanged leads multiple times. The final moments showcased the resilience of Wake Forest as they executed crucial plays to secure the win. The performance of individual players, particularly in clutch situations, was a highlight of the match, demonstrating the competitive spirit that defines college basketball.

In conclusion, this matchup between Wake Forest and Syracuse not only provided a thrilling spectacle for fans but also highlighted the struggles and strengths of both teams as they navigate the latter part of the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	WAKE -3.5	152.5 o -112 / u -108	Syracuse Orange +145 · Wake Forest Demon Deacons -175

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

Leaders

PointsMyles Colvin32Wake Forest Demon Deacons
AssistsJuke Harris5Wake Forest Demon Deacons
ReboundsMyles Colvin8Wake Forest Demon Deacons
PointsDonnie Freeman28Syracuse Orange
AssistsNaithan George10Syracuse Orange
ReboundsDonnie Freeman5Syracuse Orange

Recent form

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Last 10: 3-7Streak L274.8 scored · 80.2 allowed per game2-3 at home

L67-68at Boston College EaglesFeb 25
L63-82at Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 21
W85-77vs Clemson TigersFeb 19
W68-63vs Stanford CardinalFeb 14
W83-67at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsFeb 12
L80-88vs Louisville CardinalsFeb 7
L78-96vs NC State WolfpackJan 31
L76-80at Pittsburgh PanthersJan 27
L69-90at Duke Blue DevilsJan 24
L79-91vs SMU MustangsJan 21

Syracuse Orange

Last 10: 3-7Streak L275.4 scored · 83.6 allowed per game0-4 away

L64-77vs North Carolina Tar HeelsFeb 21
L64-101at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 17
W79-78vs SMU MustangsFeb 14
W107-100vs California Golden BearsFeb 12
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

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	Syracuse Orange	Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Field goals	28-54	33-57
Field goal %	52	58
Three-pointers	13-26	9-16
Three-point %	50	56
Free throws	14-17	13-15
Free throw %	82	87
Rebounds	18	30
Offensive rebounds	5	10
Defensive rebounds	13	20
Assists	16	19
Steals	5	6
Blocks	0	5
Turnovers	8	11
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	17	14
Fast-break points	8	7
Points in the paint	20	46
Fouls	14	16
Largest lead	8	10
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	70	27

How the scoring went

2nd Half53-47Naithan George makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half53-49Isaac Carr makes 8-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half56-49Nate Kingz makes 22-foot three point jumper (J.J. Starling assists)
2nd Half56-51Isaac Carr makes layup (Omaha Biliew assists)
2nd Half56-54Myles Colvin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Juke Harris assists)
2nd Half58-54Sadiq White Jr. makes layup (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half58-56Cooper Schwieger makes driving layup
2nd Half60-56Sadiq White Jr. makes 1-foot alley oop dunk
2nd Half60-58Cooper Schwieger makes layup (Myles Colvin assists)
2nd Half61-58Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-58Donnie Freeman makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-61Myles Colvin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sebastian Akins assists)
2nd Half62-64Juke Harris makes 29-foot three point jumper (Myles Colvin assists)
2nd Half62-65Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-66Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half65-66Donnie Freeman makes 24-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half65-68Juke Harris makes layup
2nd Half65-70Sebastian Akins makes 14-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half65-71Myles Colvin makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half65-72Myles Colvin makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-72J.J. Starling makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Naithan George assists)
2nd Half67-74Tre'Von Spillers makes layup (Juke Harris assists)
2nd Half68-74William Kyle III makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half68-76Tre'Von Spillers makes 1-foot dunk
2nd Half69-76William Kyle III makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-76William Kyle III makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half70-78Tre'Von Spillers makes 1-foot dunk (Juke Harris assists)
2nd Half72-78Donnie Freeman makes layup
2nd Half72-80Sebastian Akins makes driving layup
2nd Half72-82Tre'Von Spillers makes layup (Juke Harris assists)
2nd Half74-82Naithan George makes 9-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half76-82Donnie Freeman makes 13-foot jumper
2nd Half77-82Donnie Freeman makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half77-84Sebastian Akins makes driving layup
2nd Half78-84Nate Kingz makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half80-84Donnie Freeman makes driving layup
2nd Half80-86Cooper Schwieger makes layup (Tre'Von Spillers assists)
2nd Half80-87Sebastian Akins makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half80-88Sebastian Akins makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half83-88Tyler Betsey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Naithan George assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Wake Forest Demon Deacons, below favours Syracuse Orange.