Defense Turns To Offense In Orange Opener

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Syracuse men's basketball team exploited stingy defense in its season opener against Lehigh University on Friday night, turning defense into offense by forcing the Mountain Hawks into taking several bad shots. The Orange held Lehigh to only 12 points in the first half before cruising to a 57-47 victory at the Carrier Dome.

The Orange held Lehigh to only 8.7 percent shooting in the first half, including a span of over 13 minutes where the Mountain Hawks did not make a field goal. Despite Lehigh turning it around offensively in the second half, Syracuse's stingy defense allowed the Orange to play with a lead for nearly a full 40 minutes.

"We did play good defense in the first half, but Lehigh just wasn't in sync," head coach Jim Boeheim said. "They weren't doing the things that they're capable of. It wasn't like they were missing shots. They couldn't get a good shot. Again, our defense was really good."

Syracuse forced 15 turnovers and held Lehigh to only 28.8 percent shooting from the floor. The Mountain Hawks tried to stretch the floor with their three-point shooting, but were only able to finish 2-of-17 from outside. With an overload of missed field goals, Syracuse hauled in 40 rebounds throughout the contest.

Freshman Tyler Lydon led Syracuse with 11 rebounds, grabbing eight boards off the defensive glass. Lydon and junior Chinonso Obokoh combined for six blocks, protecting the interior and allowing the Syracuse guards to get out and push the floor offensively.

"I'm just trying to do whatever I can and do whatever it takes to win," Lydon said. "Today I was blocking some shots to make it happen, so whatever it takes."

The Orange is back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 17 when the squad returns to the Carrier Dome to take on St. Bonaventure for a 7 p.m. tip-off. Both live video and live stats can be accessed via Cuse.com.

Syracuse University Athletics

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Tyler Lydon

Chinonso Obokoh

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