Photo by: Michael J. Okoniewski
Analysis: Syracuse Sharp-Shooters Key Orange Offense
11/15/2016 9:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Don't let this Syracuse team get hot.
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Holy Cross learned that lesson the hard way on Tuesday night, when the Orange had five different players shoot 50-percent or better from behind the arc, making 13-of-25 shots (52-percent) from long range as a team, to cruise to a 90-46 victory over the Crusaders on Tuesday night.
"When you play against zones and shoot that well, it makes the game a lot easier," said head coach Jim Boeheim. "Andrew [White] got us started, then everyone made a couple. When you make those shots it's an easy game, when you don't it's a hard game, and we'll have those. The good thing tonight is even when we missed, we got the offensive rebounds and got three or four early baskets that way."
Andrew White led the way for the Orange, sinking 5-of-10 threes and scoring for a game-high 19 points. He also chipped in three rebounds, three assists and a steal to fill out his stat sheet.
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"We have a lot of guys that are capable shooters, when the ball moves and you have a lot of talent it gives guys better shots than it would if they were the focal point of the opposing defense," White said. "I think that's what you're seeing early on, and we have a lot of guys who put in work over the summer, Tyus, Frank, John when he got here and Tyler Roberson is working on his jump shot every day in practice. They're just growing confidence with what they've done over the summer and it's afforded guys the ability to take more perimeter shots."
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Through two games, that confidence is showing for White, who leads the team averaging 18 points thus far.
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"I'm still trying to work into my role here and mesh with everyone, but the coaches wanted me to come in and score," White said. "I think by me hitting shots early, it'll give our point guards, forwards and bigs better shots."
In addition to the White's long-range performance, Tyus Battle (3-of-5), Tyler Lydon (2-of-3), John Gillon (2-of-3) and Frank Howard (1-of-2) all contributed to the long range barrage.
"It's dangerous anytime you've got guys who can stretch the floor and make the right plays," Lydon said. "I think that's one thing we do really well is when we get going offensively and everything starts clicking we find the open guy and we're able to knock down shots."
Lydon was second on the Orange in scoring on the evening, contributing 17 points while also hauling in six boards for 'Cuse in the blowout win.
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"I think we have a lot of weapons this year that can shoot the three. Last year we had four or five who could stretch the floor, this year we have a lot. Guys improved this summer and everyone is confident in their shot."
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The Orange shooters will next be put to the test on Friday, when the team hosts Monmouth in the second game of the Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational.
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Holy Cross learned that lesson the hard way on Tuesday night, when the Orange had five different players shoot 50-percent or better from behind the arc, making 13-of-25 shots (52-percent) from long range as a team, to cruise to a 90-46 victory over the Crusaders on Tuesday night.
"When you play against zones and shoot that well, it makes the game a lot easier," said head coach Jim Boeheim. "Andrew [White] got us started, then everyone made a couple. When you make those shots it's an easy game, when you don't it's a hard game, and we'll have those. The good thing tonight is even when we missed, we got the offensive rebounds and got three or four early baskets that way."
Andrew White led the way for the Orange, sinking 5-of-10 threes and scoring for a game-high 19 points. He also chipped in three rebounds, three assists and a steal to fill out his stat sheet.
Â
"We have a lot of guys that are capable shooters, when the ball moves and you have a lot of talent it gives guys better shots than it would if they were the focal point of the opposing defense," White said. "I think that's what you're seeing early on, and we have a lot of guys who put in work over the summer, Tyus, Frank, John when he got here and Tyler Roberson is working on his jump shot every day in practice. They're just growing confidence with what they've done over the summer and it's afforded guys the ability to take more perimeter shots."
Â
Through two games, that confidence is showing for White, who leads the team averaging 18 points thus far.
Â
"I'm still trying to work into my role here and mesh with everyone, but the coaches wanted me to come in and score," White said. "I think by me hitting shots early, it'll give our point guards, forwards and bigs better shots."
In addition to the White's long-range performance, Tyus Battle (3-of-5), Tyler Lydon (2-of-3), John Gillon (2-of-3) and Frank Howard (1-of-2) all contributed to the long range barrage.
"It's dangerous anytime you've got guys who can stretch the floor and make the right plays," Lydon said. "I think that's one thing we do really well is when we get going offensively and everything starts clicking we find the open guy and we're able to knock down shots."
Lydon was second on the Orange in scoring on the evening, contributing 17 points while also hauling in six boards for 'Cuse in the blowout win.
Â
"I think we have a lot of weapons this year that can shoot the three. Last year we had four or five who could stretch the floor, this year we have a lot. Guys improved this summer and everyone is confident in their shot."
Â
The Orange shooters will next be put to the test on Friday, when the team hosts Monmouth in the second game of the Brooklyn Hoops Holiday Invitational.
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