{"id":28042,"date":"2025-12-22T20:19:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T00:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/stonehill-vs-syracuse-tonight-looks-to-be-a-mismatch-but-the-orange-show-why-consistency-matters-before-acc-play-starts\/"},"modified":"2025-12-22T20:19:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T00:19:11","slug":"86628-stonehill-faces-syracuse-as-orange-dominate-in-non-conference-finale-koffi-leads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/86628-stonehill-faces-syracuse-as-orange-dominate-in-non-conference-finale-koffi-leads\/","title":{"rendered":"Stonehill vs Syracuse tonight looks to be a mismatch, but the Orange show why consistency matters before ACC play starts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stonehill faces Syracuse<\/b> tonight at 7 p.m. in a non-conference finale that features a massive talent gap. The Orange dominate<\/b> heading into December 22 action at the JMA Wireless Dome. Hermann Koffi leads<\/b> the struggling Skyhawks, but Syracuse looks to complete non-conference play with authority.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Syracuse enters 8-4<\/b> with back-to-back wins after 91-83 victory over Northeastern.<\/li>\n
  • Stonehill sits 3-9<\/b> and has lost 4 straight Division I matchups.<\/li>\n
  • Hermann Koffi leads<\/b> the Skyhawks with 15.3 points per game from Quebec City, Canada.<\/li>\n
  • William Kyle III<\/b> anchors Syracuse with 3.3 blocks per game, second nationally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Syracuse Dominates Non-Conference Slate Before ACC Competition<\/h2>\n

    The Orange complete non-conference play<\/b> on Monday evening with a matchup that features one of the most lopsided talent disparities of the season. Syracuse (8-4)<\/b> enters after winning 4 of its last 5 games, showcasing resilience following a gauntlet through the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

    The Orange have established themselves as a strong home program, sitting 7-1 at the JMA Wireless Dome<\/b> this season. Their most recent performance came against Northeastern, where Naithan George erupted for 22 points<\/b>, the season-high for any Syracuse player in a single contest.<\/p>\n

    With ACC play approaching, Monday’s competition provides an opportunity to build momentum before league competition intensifies. The Orange will shift focus to conference play against Clemson on December 31<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    Naithan George and William Kyle Lead Orange Offense Tonight<\/h2>\n

    Naithan George exploded<\/b> this past Saturday against Northeastern, connecting on 12 free throws and recording 6 assists<\/b> to lead the team. His performance marked the 10th time this season he led Syracuse in assists, establishing him as the floor general moving forward.<\/p>\n

    William Kyle III continues dominating<\/b> on the block and perimeter defense. The senior ranks second nationally in blocks per game at 3.3<\/b> while pulling down 8.2 rebounds per contest. His combination of size and defensive prowess creates matchup nightmares for opponents.<\/p>\n

    J.J. Starling<\/b> has found his rhythm upon returning from injury, averaging 12.4 points during the homestand. He sits just 7 points away from reaching 1,000 career points<\/b> in his Syracuse tenure, a milestone he could approach tonight.<\/p>\n

    Skyhawks Struggling Offensively Against Power Conference Foes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team Statistic<\/td>\nSyracuse<\/td>\nStonehill<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n8-4<\/td>\n3-9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    KenPom Rating<\/td>\n79th<\/td>\n339th of 365<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Leading Scorer<\/td>\nNaithan George<\/td>\nHermann Koffi (15.3 PPG)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Home Record<\/td>\n7-1<\/td>\n1-5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Stonehill enters 3-9<\/b> with losses in 4 of its last 5 contests. The Skyhawks have visited Power Conference programs twice already this season, falling to DePaul 72-64<\/b> and Iowa State 96-57<\/b>. Their offensive struggles have been glaring, failing to exceed 65 points in all four recent losses.<\/p>\n

    The Skyhawks sit ranked 339th out of 365 Division I programs<\/b> on KenPom. Their defensive unit forces fewer turnovers than any team in the nation, while their offense ranks among the worst at 94.4 adjusted efficiency.<\/p>\n

    Hermann Koffi Carries Stonehill’s Offensive Load Against Tough Defense<\/h2>\n

    Hermann Koffi leads the Skyhawks<\/b> with 15.3 points per game, and he’s been the lone bright spot in Stonehill’s difficult season. The 6-foot-4 guard<\/b> from Quebec City, Canada has scored in double digits in all but one game this season.<\/p>\n

    Koffi showed his ceiling when he erupted for 27 points against DePaul<\/b>, knocking down 7 three-pointers in that contest. For the season, he’s been efficient from deep at 42.2% (38-of-90)<\/b>, indicating he can provide sporadic offensive firepower.<\/p>\n

    Raymond Espinal-Guzman<\/b> has contributed over the past month, averaging nearly 12 points while grabbing 4.5 rebounds and adding 6 blocks over the last four games. Head coach Chris Kraus navigates<\/b> his 13th season at Stonehill, having compiled a 166-169 record<\/b> since taking over in 2013.<\/p>\n

    Why Does Stonehill Present More Than Just a Cupcake Matchup Tonight?<\/h2>\n

    While Syracuse should control this contest, the Orange have shown inconsistency on late-game execution throughout December. They’ve lost their last three second halves<\/b>, falling in the final 20 minutes against Hofstra, Mercyhurst, and Northeastern<\/b> by a combined minus-6 margin.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, Donnie Freeman remains sidelined<\/b> with a right foot injury after not playing since November 18. Kiyan Anthony<\/b>, the son of Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony and a freshman, leads the squad with 11.5 points per game.<\/p>\n

    Syracuse’s defensive intensity will be tested against a perimeter-oriented Stonehill squad. The Orange must establish inside presence early and avoid playing down to opponent level, something that’s plagued them throughout non-conference play.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Highlights from Syracuse’s Recent Victory<\/h3>\n