Getting to Know Syracuse

Syracuse heads to Raleigh to face NC State this Wednesday night at 7 o’clock with coverage on ESPN2. The Orange stand at 13-9 on the season as well as 5-4 in ACC play. Syracuse is perfect at home this season but has not gained a single road win thus far. What do you need to know about Syracuse before Wednesday night?

Tyler Lydon and Andrew White are dangerous especially from three.

Syracuse as a team shoots 38% from the three point line with White and Lydon leading the charge. White and Lydon have combined to shoot 42% from distance, giving the Orange two players capable of stretching defenses. Andrew White leads Syracuse in PPG at 16.7 while providing tons of experience as he is a graduate transfer from Nebraska. Andrew White is known as a great shooter; however, he gave his team even more aginst FSU by rebounding and getting steals. In his last two games, he is averaging 25.5 PPG.

Tyler Lydon is a unique player as he is a big that possesses a smooth shooting stroke. This season the sophomore is shooting 44% (37-84) from three. Lydon is more than just a spot up shooter as he is averaging 7.9 RPG and 1.5 BPG. Syracuse’s 2-3 defense benefits from Lydon’s length and mobility that he uses to cover lots of space to guard the block as well as contest threes.

Defense is starting to come together for the Orange.

It has taken some time for Syracuse to gel together in their signature 2-3 zone this season. Tyler Lydon and Andrew White are the only two players to start every game thus far. Coach Boeheim has had to work to find the right combinations to give them the best chance on both ends. Andrew White is starting to understand his role in the 2-3 zone which has helped Syracuse slow down both Wake Forest and FSU in their last two games. White had four steals in their win over Florida State. As a whole Syracuse boasts length and quickness throughout their starting lineup allowing them to extend the zone. Teams are forced to shoot over length making it difficult to get clean looks. Syracuse’s team defensive stats are solid as they are allowing 68.4 PPG, 41% FG, and 32% 3FG.

Syracuse needs a strong finish to the season if they want to make it to the NCAA Tournament. They have not won a single game outside of the Carrier Dome thus far. Jim Boeheim has had a difficult time finding which players to play together as they are short on two-way players this season. Another thorn in Syracuse’s side has been rebounding out of their 2-3 zone which has led to a negative .1 rebounding margin. Can Syracuse push their win streak to 3 games all while notching their first road win of the season this Wednesday night?  Game time is at 7 o’clock with coverage on ESPN2.