Inconsistent. That’s the word that fans have used to describe this SU Basketball team all season long. However, when you look closely, you’ll start to realize that over the past month or so the product the Orange has put out on the floor has become fairly consistent.
As we all know, the teams offense isn’t great, just ask coach Boeheim about it during a walk off interview (looking at you Allie LaForce). But what Syracuse does do well is hustle. This team leaves is out on the court every night, which isn’t always a guarantee in the world of athletics. Can that effort turn into more tournament wins? Maybe, but for now let’s take a look back at the Orange’s 60-56 win in the First Four on Wednesday night.
Tyus Battle is the man
We knew this, but Battle reconfirmed it on Wednesday. The guy is a beast. Just when it looked like SU wasn’t going to get the big shot it needed, Battle unloaded from three-point range to give his team the lead. That’s something you can’t teach, and something that will certainly bode well for SU during its tournament run. That’s one thing that all successful teams have in common: a closer. The sophomore guard has proven he’s that and more for Syracuse time and time again over the past two seasons.
Oh, and the doubters? That only makes things more fun for him.
Battle on everyone doubting this team: “I love it.” pic.twitter.com/GbP7nRNId5
— Orange Fizz (@OrangeFizz) March 15, 2018
The (insert NBA team) select Oshae Brissett, Syracuse University
Hold your horses folks, I’m not saying Brissett is leaving after this year, but last night proved that the forward getting drafted into the NBA is nearly a formality at this point. Brissett’s stat line says it all: 23 points (7-15 FG) and 12 rebounds. With Frank Howard battling strep throat, the Ontario native picked up his slack and then some. It was Battle who hit the memorable shot towards the end of the game, but it was Brissett who ended several SU dry spells. The poise he showed last night was phenomenal.
Bring on Jamie Dixon?
I mentioned it in my game prediction yesterday, but Jim Boeheim has struggled over the years against Dixon. During his time at Pittsburgh, Dixon went 15-6 against Boeheim. The potential matchup with TCU is one you couldn’t help but look forward to even when the Orange was still in the First Four. Not only is the coaching matchup intriguing, but its another clash of contrasting styles.
Make sure to keep it locked to OrangeFizz online and on twitter throughout the week for continuing coverage of SU’s tournament run.
