Syracuse scored 24 points in the first half. That number is slightly higher than the 23% SU was shooting from the floor at the break. Luckily for the Orange, FSU couldn’t really make anything either. So ‘Cuse was able to stay within striking distance down 32-24 at the break.
The numbers averaged out in the second half as the Orange skyrocketed to 50% shooting from the floor. The scoring came from a plethora of players as well. Joe Girard tied for the team with 16 points and made some huge shots all night. Jimmy Boeheim chipped in his usual 13 points, and Cole Swider surprised with 16 points behind a trio of three-pointers in the second half.
Buddy Boeheim was limited to just six points today and was a non-factor on the offensive end. The Seminoles game planned to shut him down, which worked but it didn’t help them win. This performance was huge and proves that SU can get the job done without its most valuable player in the fold.
Jesse Edwards also had a massive game for Syracuse despite fouling out again. He tallied a double-double with 11 points and a career high 12 rebounds. Edwards was pivotal in SU winning the rebounding battle 41-40.
Overall this was a great performance for SU on both ends of the floor. You just knew if they could make some shots in the second half they could win this game, and they did. The defense was much improved limiting FSU to under 35% shooting from the floor and just 4-30 from deep. So Syracuse picks up its second win in a row and first ACC win of the season with a massive tilt on the horizon against Villanova.
