Syracuse defeated Lehigh 90-72 in its 2022-23 season opener. Here are some quick hits from the game:
- As should be expected against an undersized foe, Jesse Edwards was a pivotal player for Syracuse. Edwards was active on offense in several different functions, posting for scores, operating out of the pick-and-roll for dunks, and adding a mid-range face-up attempt. The center is quite skilled and his diverse offensive game, including two-man actions in the post with both Benny Williams and Maliq Brown, suggesting that Edwards will be a focal point on a nightly basis, switching tactics based on matchup and what is working.
- Judah Mintz looks much more effective on offense when looking to create for himself. His quickness allows him to get inside 15 feet for a variety of shots, but he looks susceptible to tunnel vision at times. It would not be surprising to see Joe Girard III lead the Orange in assists for the fourth straight year.
- While it would be nice to see Girard achieve that feat, seeing what he can do as a shooter when he gets rolling is where his real value lies. Making a three seems to flip a switch on Girard, locking his confidence as a shooter into the “on” position and making it no trouble to hit a hesitation fadeaway off the baseline while getting fouled on his next look at the rim.
- While the game was never in doubt in the second half, some sloppy play kept Syracuse from truly ending the game early. The Orange committed nine second half turnovers, including a half dozen in the first nine minutes, three of them coming on consecutive possessions.
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- Despite his comments following the first exhibition game regarding playing six or seven players, Jim Boeheim made a mass substitution midway through the first half that expanded the box score to nine Orange players. Mounir Hima made it an even ten less than five minutes later.
- Hima was as promised in the first half, blocking two shots and grabbing a pair of offensive rebounds. He recycled the latter offensive rebound into a lay-up for his first score at SU.
- Symir Torrence took advantage of his extended playing time to fill the stat sheet. Torrence had a career high with ten points and added six rebounds.
- Justin Taylor’s first shot probably was not what he should be looking for. Taylor grabbed a defensive board and pushed into the front court, looking for a transition opportunity, but settled for an 18-foot pull-up that missed.
- Edwards had a very emphatic block early in the second half that drew a lot of “oohs” from the crowd. It would not have been possible if Williams had not given up on a screen and Chris Bell did not switch his assignment to help.
NEXT UP
SU will welcome Colgate to the JMA Wireless Dome next Tuesday. The Red Raiders (0-1) snapped a 54-game losing streak to Syracuse last season, winning at the Dome, 100-85, on the strength of 18 three-pointers.
Colgate opened their schedule against Buffalo on Tuesday night, getting edged by the Bulls, 88-87. Tucker Richardson (23 points, eight assists) and Braeden Smith (20 points) led the Red Raider offense. Colgate will have a pair of games prior to their matchup with the Orange.
Syracuse and Colgate will renew their rivalry at 7:00pm Eastern next Tuesday with the game being televised by regional sports networks.
POSTGAME
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