Quick Hits: Only foul trouble slows down Syracuse C Jesse Edwards

Edwards-stu
Nov 22, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Syracuse center Jesse Edwards speaks to the media following the Orange's loss to St. John's at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: The Juice Online-Matt Goodman

Syracuse lost to St. John’s in the Empire Classic, 76-69, on Tuesday evening at Barclays Center. Here are some quick hits from the game:

  • Benny Williams had an impressive first half, posting nine points and snaring seven rebounds. In what would be a great sign if it carries forward, all of Williams’ points came from perimeter jumpers.
  • Mounir Hima was a force inside with six rebounds and three blocks in the first half after Jesse Edwards was saddled with two fouls. At the same time, Hima incurred the wrath of Jim Boeheim for shooting an awkward foul line jumper and probably also heard about trying to lay the ball in (it curled off the rim) instead of dunking it.
  • Hima’s effort was the backbone of a strong first half defensive effort by the Orange. The team forced nine turnovers and blocked five shots in the session, which included a seven-plus minute stretch where the Red Storm missed 11 straight field goal attempts. When that span ended, it was as a result of a goaltending call against SU.
  • SU had success against two different kinds of full court pressure in the Empire Classic, as Richmond used a zone press while St. John’s employed man-to-man. The Orange guards handled the stress fine, particularly Judah Mintz and Symir Torrence against the Red Storm, as did forwards Chris Bell and Williams when they were needed to help against the Spiders.
  • Foul trouble dogged Jesse Edwards again, as he played just 27 minutes. He was very effective when on the court after halftime, making 5-of-6 shots from the field and all six of his foul shots.

» Related: As Judah Mintz goes, so does Syracuse basketball

NEXT UP

Syracuse returns home for their next game on Saturday when they host Bryant. The Bulldogs (4-1) have won their last two games on the strength of a high-powered offense which has topped 90 points on three occasions, including hanging 98 on Detroit on Monday.

Five different players average in double digits for Bryant, who plays at the second-fastest tempo in Division I. Sherif Gross-Bullock leads the team with 18.0 points and 5.2 assists per game while Charles Pride adds 17.0 points an outing and Earl Timberlake 15.4 points and a team-best 9.4 rebounds per contest.

Saturday’s tip-off will be at 4:00pm Eastern and the game will be available online through ACC Network Extra.

POSTGAME

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Juice Online (@sujuiceonline)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Juice Online (@sujuiceonline)

For more Syracuse coverage, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and listen to our podcast.

Avatar photo
About Jim Stechschulte 894 Articles
A 1996 graduate of Syracuse University, Jim has reported on Syracuse sports for the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Southern California on nearly a decade. He has also written a fantasy basketball column published by NBA.com. He currently resides in Syracuse.