The Syracuse Orange (8-4) close out the non-conference schedule when they host the Stonehill Skyhawks (3-9) tonight at the JMA Dome. Game will tip at 7:00 on ACCNX and here’s what we’re watching for in this one:
Kevin: Close the non-conference strong
This is the last non-conference game and with Syracuse facing an uphill climb back into NCAA Tournament consideration, will we finally get a complete 40 minutes? Saturday saw a much better job scoring, but the lack of ball movement and defensive intensity
was disappointing. The Orange have to reel off a string of wins in the next 3 weeks so this is no time to continue to play with a lack of urgency.
Dom: Winning the turnover and transition game
Pointed this out in the takeaways story for the Northeastern game, but specifically on the defensive energy front, Syracuse is either barely winning or being held to a draw on some of the areas where it should be thriving. The notable ones: points off turnovers and the possession game. Some of that came from the orange coughing up the ball themselves, but some of these opponents recently are having too much ease scoring the ball. Especially in the second half, Syracuse has been outscored in back-to-back games and not locked down its opponent. It’s a concerning trend that will need to change.
Augie: Defense, Defense, Defense
Northeastern scoring 83 points against the Orange was a bit discouraging, so there is a need to respond against Stonehill. In Vegas and against Tennessee this team (other than the 2nd half against Iowa State) made it difficult for opposing teams to score. That was their identity. They need to bring it back against Stonehill and make it a priority to not let the Skyhawks score. This is their last chance ahead of ACC play, and they need to make a statement.
Szuba: “Level-five”
We hear much about Syracuse’s intent to play with “level-five” energy, particularly on the defensive end. Since the Tennessee game Syracuse hasn’t been playing at level three, or playing on any level consistently. It should be another underwhelming dome crowd tonight. Syracuse will have to bring its own vigor. Although the last couple of games have been wins, the way the Orange has played has been less than encouraging. This is the last tuneup before conference play begins — a season-defining stretch which could alter the future direction of the program. Given the stakes one would think there’d be a sense of level-five urgency.
Max: Take advantage of free possessions
The Skyhawks aren’t exactly an offensive juggernaut. They commit turnovers at a staggering 21.9% clip (15th-highest rate in the country per KenPom), and force the fewest turnovers on defense of any DI team (only 12.1% of possessions, 365th). The Orange must capitalize on all these extra opportunities to put this game out of reach early and avoid another embarrassing nonconference home loss.
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What will you be watching for tonight?
