Las Vegas ― The Syracuse Orange’s trip to Las Vegas ended the way it does for many visitors here.

The Orange left tired, disappointed and winless after three days at the Players Era Festival following a 95-64 defeat to No. 15 Iowa State on Wednesday.

Syracuse was playing a third straight game against a team rated among KenPom’s Top 20.

In Houston, Kansas and Iowa State, Syracuse was also facing three of the top defensive teams in the country.

Syracuse acquitted itself quite well through two-and-a-half games. The Orange battled No. 3 Houston and had a chance to win in regulation before losing 78-74 in overtime.

In terms of scheduling games that might boost its NCAA Tournament resume, Syracuse had put nearly all of its chips on the Players Era Festival.

Next week’s game against No. 17

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