A quick take on Syracuse’s 82-78 loss against Miami on Monday evening:
WHAT HAPPENED: Judah Mintz found Jesse Edwards for a layup that gave Syracuse a 61-53 lead with 8:52 to go. But Syracuse started getting sloppy with the ball, and several turnovers and empty possessions led to Jordan Miller’s 3-pointer with 1:58 to go that gave Miami a 76-73 lead. Mintz’s turnover on the ensuing possession led to two Harlond Beverly free throws, which made it 78-73. The Orange had a chance to tie with 14 seconds to go, but Mintz missed and allowed Miami to escape.
ANALYSIS: The loss was a huge missed opportunity for the Orange. Syracuse came in 0-2 in Quadrant 1 games, and this represented a chance for a Q1 win (Q1 wins are awarded to teams winning road games against teams ranked in the top 75). Syracuse appeared to be in good position, but struggled to rebound and take care of the ball when it counted. Mintz, who has played above his freshmen experience for most of the season, looked very much the role on Monday, with an uncharacteristic five turnovers. He was also 1-7 from the field and finished with 3 points. Syracuse also surrendered 16 offensive rebounds, and gave up a -4 margin on the glass.
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HERO: Norchad Omier finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds to lead Miami. Syracuse’s two seniors of Joe Girard (21 points) and Jesse Edwards (25 points, 11 rebounds) led the Orange.
ZERO: Mintz and fellow freshman Chris Bell (1-6 from the field, 3 points) didn’t help SU’s cause.
WHAT’S NEXT: Syracuse stays on the road, traveling to Georgia Tech on Saturday for a 12 p.m. tip.
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