Syracuse defeated rival Georgetown, 83-64, on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome. Here are some quick hits from the game:
- The Syracuse offense accomplished a feat they had not previously done in over a decade. For the third straight game, Syracuse had at least a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. In that span, the team has 61 assists and 26 turnovers for a 2.38-to-1 ratio. The key? Judah Mintz has 17 assists and a single turnover in those three games after 22 helpers and 18 miscues in the first seven outings. It’s not just Mintz, though. Joe Girard III (nine assists, three turnovers), John Bol Ajak (nine assists, two turnovers), and Symir Torrence (nine assists, one turnover) have all contributed in those last three contests.
- After Jesse Edwards’ play against similarly-sized opponents, it is clear he needs to be the first option for the Syracuse offense, period. While he struggled some against Illinois, Edwards’ scoring outputs against major conference foes (18 against St. John’s, 22 against Notre Dame, and 20 against Georgetown) show he should be counted on to be the lead dog when the Orange has the ball.
- In addition to using Edwards in the post or pick-and-roll opportunities, the starting guards have shown what they are most effective at doing. Mintz is electric going to the basket, particularly in transition, but is much more effective when doing so while keeping his teammates in mind and not just focusing on scoring. After all, opponents are also aware of his driving abilities and collapse accordingly, making it exceptionally difficult for him to finish. Girard needs to be employed on the move, as he is a much more effective, rhythmic shooter coming off screens or when he gets the ball while in motion. Static defenders, such as when he gets the ball while stationary or in late clock situations when expected to create, have a much easier time slowing him down.
- Benny Williams’ activity level is his greatest attribute. With his inconsistent shooting mechanics, his cutting helps him make a dent in the scoring column.
- While they committed three turnovers while getting out to their early 17-6 lead, Georgetown coughed the ball up on their next two possessions fueling the SU offense. The Orange scored off five of the Hoyas’ last six turnovers in the first half, helping them grab their halftime lead.
- Chris Bell was much more energetic after being removed from the game after being pulled relatively early in each half. Bell played 22:20 on the game, but over 15 of those minutes came after he had been subbed out and re-inserted.
- SU had seven steals in the first half and scored off five of them. Their ten steals as a team tied a season-high mark.
» Related: Jesse Edwards, Joe Girard power Syracuse past Oakland
NEXT UP
Syracuse faces a quick turnaround, as Monmouth will come calling on Monday night. The Hawks (1-8) dropped their opening eight contests, including a season-opening stretch against Seton Hall, Virginia, and Illinois, who defeated them by at least 27 points apiece.
Myles Foster tops Monmouth at 12.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per outing while Jack Collins posts 10.1 points per game and leads the squad with 18 three-pointers.
Monday’s tip-off between the Orange and the Hawks is set for 7:00pm Eastern and will be televised by ACC Network.
POSTGAME
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Coach Boeheim’s opening statement after Georgetown pic.twitter.com/Sh1VjNhk8l
— SUJuice.com (@TheJuiceOnline) December 10, 2022
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