Well this game was over within the first few minutes. Syracuse always struggles to play well in Blacksburg and tonight was another example. Virginia Tech shot the lights out of the basketball and made the ‘Cuse look lost offensively.
Tonight was another chance for a quad one win for the Orange. Just like all of the other chances this year, Syracuse blew it. This January stretch was critical if SU wanted to get back in the discussion for the NCAA Tournament. Instead of seizing the moment, the Orange squandered it and are on their way to an extremely disappointing close to the month. The second semester isn’t looking so good for Syracuse right now but let’s recap this game with our Fizz Report Card.
Judah Mintz: A
One of the lone bright spots in this game. Mintz bounced back with an explosive offensive performance after struggling the past few games. The frosh scored 21 points with a pair of three-pointers which he surprised us all with tonight. Also 9-13 was the 4-star recruit from the free throw line tonight which is how he loves to score.
Jesse Edwards: D
You could tell how this game was going to play out midway through the first half. Edwards picked up a pair of early fouls and then had three once halftime rolled out. The Dutchman was relegated to the bench for much of the night and it completely changed SU both defensively and offensively. The center finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and four fouls.
Joe Girard: D
Tough night for JG3. The Glens Falls native has looked really solid as of late. Tonight just was not Girard’s night. The shooting guard had 7 points on 2-8 field goals and was just 1-4 from beyond the arc. If JG3 can’t even reach 10 points than this team has no prayer of winning most ACC games.
Justin Taylor: B
An impressive night for Justin Taylor. The freshman hasn’t done a whole lot lately but he was on his stuff tonight with the outside shooting. JT poured in four three-pointers which accounted for all of his 12 points. Defensively there were some lapses on the wing and that’s why he gets a B instead of an A.
Maliq Brown: B
Congrats to this freshman for starting his first career game! Brown made the decision look smart with 11 points on 5-6 field goals to go along with 6 rebounds. It’ll be interesting to see if he continues to start over Benny Williams moving forward.
Chris Bell: F
Played 10 minutes and missed both of his three-point attempts.
Benny Williams: F
Did not start and did not contribute anything in 8 minutes.
Mounir Hima: D
Tonight was an exclamation point on the fact that Hima is a nothing on offense. The Duquesne transfer will get you some boards and maybe a put back layup but that’s about all. Defensively, Hima wasn’t much of a factor against Virginia Tech and its prolific offense.
Symir Torrence: B
Boogie was solid off the pine for Syracuse. The Marquette transfer scored 8 points on 3-3 field goals and had an assist as well. Torrence brings good energy off the bench and was active in the press and the zone.
