Syracuse, N.Y. ― A week between games for the Syracuse men’s basketball team provided a good opportunity for Syracuse.com beat writers Mike Waters and Donna Ditota to discuss the state of the Orange.
Syracuse sports a 10-4 overall record and a 1-2 mark in the ACC, but the Orange is coming off an 86-66 loss at Duke last Tuesday. Syracuse’s next game is against Boston College at home on Wednesday.
Ditota and Waters noted that Syracuse needs to address a couple of critical areas that hurt the Orange in the loss to Duke.
“They can’t turn it over,’’ Ditota said. “Turnovers killed them in the second half of that Duke game.’’
Syracuse committed 17 turnovers, which the Blue Devils turned into 26 points.
Ditota also pointed to Syracuse’s erratic 3-point shooting. The Orange went 4-for-16 from beyond the arc at Duke.
Waters noted that Chris Bell and Justin Taylor; the two players who were expected to be SU’s top 3-point shooters, have both been struggling lately. Bell and Taylor combined for three points at Duke. They were both 0-1 from 3-point range.
“They’ve both been struggling lately,’’ Waters said. “If you can get those guys going, you solve a big problem here.’’
Syracuse’s bench has been a big reason for the Orange’s success, especially during a five-game win streak prior to the game at Duke. However, both of the Syracuse.com beat writers said they would resist the urge to shake up the starting lineup.
“I don’t see tinkering with the starting lineup,’’ Ditota said. “It’s not like it’s 10-0 and they’re getting off to these terrible starts.’’
Waters added that it seems the reserves are relishing their roles, especially as they get more attention as a group.
“I like having energy off the bench,’’ he added.
To listen to the entire conversation, click on the links provided.
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