
WHAT HAPPENED: A 21-4 run from Syracuse midway through the first half gave SU a 49-25 lead heading into intermission and the Orange went on cruise control through the second half. Syracuse’s two point guards, John Gillon and Frank Howard, were impressive throughout, combining for 24 points and 15 assists.
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ANALYSIS: There isn’t much to glean from an early season game that the Orange plays against an inferior opponent, but for what it’s worth, SU clicked off all the boxes in the win. The Orange dominated inside, scoring 48 points in the paint while holding a +6 margin in the rebounding category. Syracuse also shot 54.8 percent from the the field while the Raiders shot 28.1 percent and 6 for 37 from beyond the arc. Still, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim lamented the fact that his team held a relatively small rebounding margin given their superior size against the Raiders. Boeheim was also upset about his full court press, mentioning during the postgame that he may ditch the pressure defense if the Orange doesn’t improve.
HERO: Tyler Roberson was dominant inside, finishing with 18 points, 16 of them coming in the first half. The Orange need him to be plugged in all season, and this was certainly a welcome sign. Andrew White finished second on the team in scoring with 17 points and also chipped in five rebounds.
ZERO: While these numbers won’t matter against cupcake opponents, the Orange shot 8 for 19 at the free throw line, with Paschal Chukwu missing all six of his attempts. Freshman Tyus Battle, who starred in each of his first two exhibition games, struggled in his regular season debut, with six points on 1-7 shooting.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse will host Holy Cross on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Carrier Dome.
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