Quick Hits: Syracuse surged to victory on the fast break

swider_nova — Dec 7, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Cole Swider speaks to reporters following Syracuse's 67-53 loss to the Villanova Wildcats at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Bierman, The Juice Online.

Syracuse routed Florida State, 96-57, on Wednesday afternoon to advance to the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament. Here are a few quick thoughts from the game:

The Orange had 23 fast break points in the first half and 33 overall. Their previous high in fast break points against a conference opponent since joining the ACC was 25 against Duke in a 97-88 loss on February 1, 2020.

Syracuse is now 56-6 in the last nine seasons when shooting at least 34 percent or higher from three-point range while holding their opponent to 30 percent or lower from three.
Going back to January 29, Cole Swider is 37-for-66 from three (56.1 percent). That includes an 0-for-5 game against Virginia Tech.
Joe Girard III made at least four threes in a game for the tenth time this season. Swider accomplished the feat for the ninth time, tying Buddy Boeheim.
Despite seeing full court pressure for most of the contest, the Orange committed just seven turnovers.
SU collected five blocked shots in the game, the most in any contest following Jesse Edwards’ season-ending injury.
The Orange set a high-water mark for the season by making 38 field goals in the game.

Next Up

The Orange advance to the ACC Tournament quarterfinals where top-seeded Duke (26-5) lays in wait. The Blue Devils handled SU in both meetings this season, winning at home in late January, 79-59, then coasting to victory at Syracuse less than two weeks ago, 97-72.

Mark Williams was dominant for Duke in the two games, compiling 43 points and 19 rebounds in those contests. Paolo Banchero rolled up 36 points, 14 boards, and 13 assists for the Blue Devils. No Syracuse player reached double figures in both contests. Jimmy Boeheim and Jesse Edwards each had a dozen points in the first game while Buddy Boeheim totaled 23 points and Joe Girard III 18 in the second.

Thursday’s matchup between Syracuse and Duke will start at 12:00pm Eastern and be televised on ESPN.

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