A quick take on Syracuse’s 62-56 win against Marshall:
WHAT HAPPENED: Marshall mostly played even with Syracuse for the first eight minutes of the game before the SU defense started to take over. The Orange collected seven steals during a 20-6 run, and led 28-12 with 5:02 left in the first half. Brandon Triche, who started the game missing his first five shots, had three straight layups during that run. Syracuse would comfortably lead the rest of the way until Marshall got to within eight with under two minutes left in the game. SU’s defense dominated the game as the Orange forced 19 turnovers, and collected 12 steals and 10 blocks. The Thundering Herd shot just 33 percent from the field and 5-for-24 from beyond the arc.
ANALYSIS: Though Syracuse never relinquished the lead after the run, Marshall hung around in what should’ve been a lopsided SU win. The Orange once again looked flat offensively as it shot just 41 percent from the field and 3-for-11 from downtown. Syracuse was also complacent on the defensive glass. Although Marshall couldn’t hit anything from downtown, the Thundering Herd collected 16 offensive rebounds which led to multiple put-backs.
HERO: For the second game in a row, Scoop Jardine stuffed the stat sheet. He finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Dion Waiters came off the bench to lead SU in scoring with 15 points while Kris Joseph chipped in 11 points. For Marshall, Dennis Tinnon led the way with 17 points and 14 rebounds, including seven on the offensive glass.
ZERO: Damier Pitts and DeAndre Kane, who were Marshall’s two leading scorers had a tough night offensively. They combined for 19 points on 6-for-21 shooting. CJ Fair had an uncharacteristically poor night. He went scoreless, missing all four of his shots.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Orange will host George Washington on Saturday at the Carrier Dome at 7 p.m.
