© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / © Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
The Syracuse basketball team picked up a rare ACC win on Wednesday night in conference play against rival Cal. It was a revenge game of sorts as the Orange welcomed back former player Chris Bell.
Not many showed up to support the program in the midweek league battle. Those that did saw the team’s mascot scolded in the perfect encapsulation of a forgettable year.
Not much has gone right for Syracuse over the last 25 games. The team entered their most recent matchup vs. the Bears at 13-11 with just four wins in ACC play.
The lack of success has led to apathy. A once proud fanbase no longer cares. The 42,000-seat JMA Wireless Dome was less than half-full at tip off.
The downfall of Syracuse basketball post Boeheim is sad to watch.
The Carrier Dome ACC home basketball games used to mean something. Some of the most insane CBB atmospheres I’ve seen are in that arena.
I know the fans still care but this is rough.
pic.twitter.com/pieFu25X63— Garrett Armbrust (@4thandsaturday) February 12, 2026
Empty seats littered the arena. No one showed to watch the Orange battle to stay above .500.
Here’s John Wildhack’s legacy at Syracuse. Pathetic. #Cuse pic.twitter.com/QahoTL4HDq
— Sneakers (@Shue_Box) February 12, 2026
Those that stayed home missed out on a great game.
Syracuse won a basketball matchup.
The Orange survived a pair of overtimes to beat Cal, 107-100. The two teams were dead even after the first half, second half, and first OT session.
It couldn’t have been closer!
Neither team led by more than six points up until the final 30 seconds. Syracuse pulled away with late free throws. The win puts a brief pause on criticism surrounding head coach Adrian Autry.
For the Orange, it also represented a chance at revenge.
Chris Bell left the program after three years to transfer to Cal in the offseason. This was his first trip back to Syracuse since making the move.
According to players, he was vocal on the court.
Nate Kingz on matching up against former SU player Chris Bell pic.twitter.com/tGZJI2hpiB
— Syracuse On SI | The Juice Online (@TheJuiceOnline) February 12, 2026
“He was definitely talking some out there,” said Nate Kingz after the game. “I didn’t really pay it too much mind.”
Bell scored 18 points on 4-12 shooting, but he will not return to California with a win. He heard about it after the fact.
Have a safe flight home Chris!! Bro had to do a double take and everything😂😂😂 THIS SHIT GOT ME IN TEARS!!! pic.twitter.com/6gGafhEqsB
— Tyler Betsey’s Burner (Blump)🍊 (@HeavyOnCuse) February 12, 2026
Otto the Orange was reprimanded.
Bell wasn’t the only person to get a talking to on the court Wednesday night. At one point, Syracuse’s mascot was scolded down near the sidelines.
It’s unclear what led to the reprimand, though it perfectly captured the vibes of an awful season.
What did Otto the Orange do to get this stern talking to? pic.twitter.com/ajH4PDnn6L
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) February 12, 2026
Everyone connected to the Syracuse basketball program seems frustrated. Players, coaches, and even mascots, can’t seem to get it right in what’s become a lost season.
To further pile on, the arena briefly lost power causing the scoreboard to malfunction.
This is how they’re keeping score and ESPN can’t get a scorebug up pic.twitter.com/nl2yA5kE59
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) February 12, 2026
A pair of power surges dimmed the lighting in the arena and knocked out the scoreboard lights. The first flash came during the second half while the next occurred in overtime.
As a result, the game was finished in a half-lit, half-empty arena.
Nothing has gone right for Syracuse this basketball season. At least the program left with a win in this instance. They’ll look extend the streak to two games when hosting SMU this weekend.