Eddie Lampkin doesn’t do the Hokey Pokey
The Syracuse Orange (12-16, 6-11) are hitting the road to try and make it two wins in a row when they face the Virginia Tech Hokies (12-16, 7-10). Tip off is at Noon tomorrow on Th CW and here’s what we’re watching for:
Szuba: Paint attack
Syracuse was determined to get the ball inside the paint against NC State on Wednesday night. Although Virginia Tech has the 260 lb Mylyjael Poteat down low, the Hokies two point defense is among the nation’s worst. Will Syracuse continue to throw the ball inside to Eddie Lampkin in this game or do we see a different approach?
Dom: Defend the three
Two things worked quite well for Syracuse against the Wolfpack — relentlessly attacking the rim and then kicking out to shooters (rather than settling for one too many jumpers), as well as forcing NC State to get its shots outside the paint. One luxury Syracuse’s defense won’t have is Virginia Tech can actually shoot from the outside (sixth-highest three-point percentage in the ACC). In a straight race of nothing but twos, Syracuse should be a favorite on paper, but if the Hokies are going to be left open, they will make the Orange’s defense pay.
Kevin: Drive the ball
As James mentioned, the Hokies don’t defend well inside and they don’t have a strong rim protector either. The Orange can’t just settle for jump shots in this one- they need to attack the lane and crash the offensive glass. Virginia Tech doesn’t have a lot of frontcourt depth behind Poteat and Toibu Lawal so Syracuse needs to be aggressive and force them to defend.
Max: Win the turnover battle
It’s been a talking point all season for Syracuse, who has committed the second-most turnovers of any ACC team in conference play. The only team worse? Virginia Tech. The Hokies haven’t won a home game in over six weeks, and it will most likely stay that way if the Orange can come out positive in the turnover department.
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What will you be watching for in this one?