Syracuse men’s basketball: what to watch for vs Pittsburgh The Syracuse Orange (15-15, 6-11) will face the Pitt Panthers (11-19, 4-13) in their final regular-season game at the JMA Dome on March 7, 2026. The matchup, set for a 4:30 p.m. tipoff, will mark Senior Day for the Orange, with the game broadcast on The CW. The contest will serve as a critical opportunity for the team to avoid finishing the season with a .500 record, as they aim to leave a positive legacy in their final home game. Kevin Wall emphasized the importance of the occasion, noting that the team’s performance in recent weeks has been inconsistent, with highs and lows reminiscent of a student taking on an overwhelming course load. He questioned whether the senior class could rally for one final push to ensure a meaningful conclusion to their college careers. The Orange’s ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure will be key, as they look to avoid a sub-.500 season. Max Tomaiuolo highlighted Pitt’s defensive struggles, particularly in conference play, where the Panthers have allowed a league-worst 55.9% effective field-goal percentage according to KenPom. Syracuse capitalized on these weaknesses in their previous matchup, converting 63.3% of their field-goal attempts and scoring 32 points in the paint. Tomaiuolo stressed that the Orange must take advantage of the open looks available against Pitt’s porous defense, emphasizing the need for ball-sharing and precise execution to turn opportunities into points. James Szuba focused on the emotional significance of the game for senior guard Tyrese Starling, a hometown player whose college journey has been marked by adversity. Starling has overcome multiple injuries and transferred into the program to play for coach Jim Boeheim, remaining loyal despite challenges.#jma_dome #syracuse_orange #pitt_panthers #the_cw #tyrese_starling
Former Syracuse Basketball Player Detained by Federal Immigration Agents Syracuse, N.Y. — A former Syracuse University basketball player who fled civil war in South Sudan has been arrested and detained by federal immigration agents. John Bol Ajak, 26, was held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Pennsylvania, according to ICE records. The incident marks another troubling chapter for the 6-foot-10 backup center, whose journey from conflict to college basketball had become a source of hope before recent legal complications. Ajak, who was still residing in Syracuse, was arrested by local police at least four times on campus for offenses such as trespassing and disorderly conduct. One incident occurred near the JMA Dome, and he reportedly had no stable address. The circumstances of his recent federal detention remain unclear, though his student visa had expired, according to university sources. He was no longer enrolled as a student but had been attempting to re-enter graduate courses. Ajak’s legal troubles escalated in early 2026. He was arrested twice in January for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication, where he had previously studied. Recent records show he had been homeless and couch-surfing, a detail confirmed by a friend. His last arrest occurred on Feb. 18, after which he was released on pretrial conditions. However, he missed a scheduled court appearance, leading to a bench warrant for the trespass charge. Born in Natinga, South Sudan, Ajak’s family fled the country when he was 19 months old, seeking refuge in a Kenyan camp. There, he endured poverty and hunger, often writing in the sand during classes.#john_bol_ajak #syracuse_university #ice #moshannon_valley_processing_center #jma_dome
