Syracuse lost in overtime to Wake Forest on Saturday, 77-74, in overtime. Here are some quick hits from the game:
- Once again, the Orange were punished inside the arc. Wake went 14-of-21 on two-point field goal attempts, good for a 66.7 percent success rate. On the season, SU has allowed opponents to shoot 51.8 percent inside the three-point line. As a reference point, Syracuse is shooting 49.7 percent on similar shots.
- A big part of that weak interior defense is how the zone defenses of the Orange can be turned inside out by sharp, patient passing. Wake Forest finished the game with assists on 19 of their 25 field goals, good for a 76 percent assist rate. That lifts the assist rate SU has allowed on the season to 69.7 percent. Again, by comparison, Syracuse’s offensive assist rate is 55.6 percent.
- SU shot 12-for-14 (85.7 percent) from the line after making just 60.8 percent of their free throws in the preceding six games. Their foul shooting is not a significant factor in their record, as they are shooting 69.7 percent from the line in wins and 73.9 percent in losses on the season.
- The Orange cleaned up some of their offensive miscues from their last time out, turning the ball over only nine times against Wake. Unfortunately, those mistakes were turned into 14 points, although all but three came after dead ball situations.
BOEHEIM’S STRUGGLES CONTINUE
Buddy Boeheim is yet to shoot better than 43.5 percent from the field in a game against a major conference opponent. Here are his shooting lines against them:
- Arizona State – 7/17
- Auburn – 3/12
- Indiana – 10/23 *(43.5 percent)
- Florida State – 3/10
- Villanova – 3/15
- Georgetown – 7/18
- Virginia – 7/17
- Miami – 2/7
- Wake Forest – 5/20
In total, he is shooting 33.8 percent from the floor (and 28.6 percent from three) against major conference foes. Most opponents slot a defender of equal or greater size (height and/or weight) on him and Boeheim struggles getting good looks.
The attention paid to Buddy Boeheim by major conference foes undoubtedly helps his teammates. Cole Swider is shooting 41.0 percent from three in those games, while Jimmy Boeheim is hitting 40.6 percent and Joe Girard III 39.7 percent.
» Related: Syracuse loses in overtime to Wake Forest
NEXT UP
Syracuse will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Pittsburgh. The Panthers have struggled this season, standing 6-9 overall and 1-3 in conference play, breaking through for their first ACC win on Saturday by edging Boston College at home, 69-67.
John Hugley leads three active Pitt players who average in double figures with 15.7 points per game and also tops the squad with 8.2 rebounds per contest. Jamarius Burton and Femi Odukale support Hugley with 12.4 and 11.9 points per outing, respectively. Mouhamadou Gueye leads a weak-shooting Pittsburgh squad with 16 threes in 15 games, making 38.1 percent of his shots from deep.
The Orange and Panthers will renew their rivalry at 7:00pm Eastern and the game will be televised by ESPNU.
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