PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team fell to the VCU Rams 67-55 in its first round game in the Battle 4 Atlantis. VCU, just 2-2 on the season prior to Wednesday night, came into the contest as the No. 15 ranked team in Ken Pom defensive efficiency. It stymied the Orange perimeter attack with a full-court press and chased Syracuse’s shooters off the 3-point line in the half court.
Syracuse was held to 5-23 shooting from outside, a season low in attempts from range. But the Orange were also hurt by not having its starting center for much of the night.