Can the Orange make some school history?
The Syracuse Orange (14-18, 7-13) advanced to face the SMU Mustangs (22-9, 13-7) in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Syracuse is looking to win two games in the ACC Tournament for the first time in school history. Tip off at 9:30 on ESPNU and here’s what we’re watching for tonight
Mike: Lock In at the Line
It’s hard to go after J.J. Starling, Eddie Lampkin, and Jyare Davis too much when the three put together almost all of SU’s offense yesterday… but they did leave nine points off the board on missed free throws. I mention that because not only was the 1st Round too close for comfort, the Orange lost to SMU by two last week while shooting 9/22 at the line. They won’t get lucky against a rested team fighting to move from NIT guarantee to still on the bubble.
Szuba: Second half
Syracuse has played well over the last seven games, particularly in the first half. It’s the second half when the game starts to get away. The Orange led by as many as 16 only for FSU to trim the lead all the way down to one. If Syracuse is able to build a lead against SMU again in the second matchup, can it do enough to get stops defensively and hold on to keep its opponent at bay?
Kevin: Making some open shots
The Orange didn’t force a lot from deep last night, but only went 2-14 (0-5) in the second half. With teams sending multiple defenders at Eddie Lampkin, it’s important for Lucas Taylor and Chris Bell to hit some of the good looks they are getting from deep. We don’t want Syracuse taking early 3’s, but when the ball is going inside-out, they need to take advantage against a high-scoring SMU squad.
Max: Take better care of the ball
Turnovers killed the Orange in last week’s two-point loss to the Mustangs, as SU committed 14 to SMU’s six. Syracuse overperformed from three-point range to make up for lost possessions, but you can’t expect that to happen every game. Limiting the errant passes will be necessary to get by the Mustangs, who ranked fifth in ACC play with a 17.3% forced turnover rate per KenPom.
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What will you be watching for in this one?