The Syracuse Orange basketball program is no stranger to winning shots throughout its history. With Nate Kingz to spill the winning move against SMUhe joins a rarefied group of players who have made memorable shots in Orange.
First, a definition of what constitutes a winning shot. To be a true game-winning shot, it must occur in the last 20 seconds of a play that gives the lead and decides the outcome of the match. This differs from a kickoff in which the player scores but allows time for another offensive possession after the opponent. Even if there were some decisive blows, like Michael Gbinije’s green light lay-up against Gonzaga during the 2016 NCAA tournament or that of Kris Joseph clutch three in overtime against Georgetown in 2012, some are not on this list.
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There have been many clutch shots in Syracuse history that won’t make this list, like Tyus Battle’s clutch shot against Michigan State in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Or Andy Rautin’s game-tying three in the third overtime of the six-overtime classic against Connecticut. Or John Gillon’s draw against NC State in 2017. You get the idea.
Here is the complete list of game-winning shots over the last 50 years of Syracuse basketball history:
Nate Kingz vs. EMS2026
Quadir Copeland v. Miami2024
Brycen Goodine vs. Waking up forest2020
Battle of Tyus vs. Georgetown, 2018
John Gillon vs. Duke, 2017
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Battle of Tyus vs. Clemson, 2017
Michael Gbinije vs. Virginia Tech, 2015
Rakeem Christmas vs. Louisiana Tech, 2014
Tyler Ennis vs. Pittsburgh, 2014
CJ Fair vs. NC State, 2014 (goalie)
Eric Devendorf vs. Georgetown, 2006
Gerry McNamara vs. Cincinatti, 2006
Terrence Roberts vs. Rutgers, 2006
Gerry McNamara vs. Georgetown, 2004
Jeremy McNeil vs. Pittsburgh 2002
Marius Janulis vs. Iona, 1998
Ryan Blackwell vs. St. John’s, 1998
John Wallace vs. Georgia, 1996
Lawrence Moten vs. Villanova, 1995
Michael Lloyd vs. Providence, 1995
Conrad McRae vs. Villanova, 1993
Dave Johnson vs. Georgetown, 1992
Pearl Washington vs. Georgetown, 1985
Pearl Washington v. Boston College, 1984
Leo Rautins vs. Boston College, 1981
Jim Lee vs. North Carolina, 1975
What have we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments section.
