Five Takeaways: Syracuse 77 Boston College 68

What to make of the Orange's win over the Eagles.

Syracuse won at Boston College 77-68 Saturday night. Here are five takeaways from the victory. 

1. Jesse Edwards

Edwards was nearly unguardable in this game. He finished with 27 points on 12-15 shooting to go along with seven rebounds and four blocks. Not only did he stay out of foul trouble for most of the game, but his offensive footwork was outstanding. His shot making was superb and Boston College had no answer for him all night. Perhaps this will spark a run of big games for the Orange big. Syracuse will need it given the schedule that is coming up. 

2. Defense

The Syracuse zone had some stretches where it was really, really good. Rotating well, forcing turnovers, not giving Boston College any room to operate or looks at the basket. It also had stretches where it seemed to do the opposite. The Eagles made 11 threes, but shot right around its season average (31% vs 30%) and only shot 41.5% from the floor overall (down from its season average of 43%). Still, there were too many open shots at times, even if the game plan was to give them some of those because they are not a great shooting team. The stretches of strong defense were encouraging, but that needs to happen more often and against better teams. 

3. Judah Mintz

If you look at Judah Mintz's final stat line, you would conclude he had a very good game. He scored 15 points, dished out five assists, had four steals and just two turnovers. That said, in the first half and beginning of the second, he played out of control and made some mistakes. Head coach Jim Boeheim sat him down for a stretch as Symir Torrence played 17 solid minutes. When Mintz came back into the game, he was outstanding. Mintz was under control, got into the lane, found his teammates and made some critical buckets. He had five assists on the night, but had several other great passes that led to a teammate getting to the free throw line. Mintz was very close to an eight, nine or even 10 assist night. That was a very encouraging response from the freshman. 

4. Justin Taylor

Justin Taylor played 26 minutes and made all three of his three point attempts. Each shot seemed to be an important one that Syracuse needed to extend a run or stop Boston College momentum. That and he played physical defense throughout. He is going to be a big time shot maker before his career at Syracuse is done, and we are seeing flashes of that ability. Do not be surprised if he takes a big leap in his sophomore season. 

5. Much Needed Win

I understand its Boston College. I understand Syracuse has beaten the Eagles 10 straight times. I understand Boston College is not considered a good team this season. However, this Syracuse team needed this win. It needed to end the losing streak and feel good about itself regardless of opponent. That and Boston College had been playing better basketball lately. The Eagles had won three of four coming in, including a win over #20 Clemson. Now Syracuse can go into its next game with a little bit of confidence. Next is at Florida State, another team Syracuse should beat despite the fact that it's on the road.  The Seminoles are not a great defensive team and turn it over a lot. If Syracuse can get that win, it sets up a difficult stretch but one that gives the Orange an opportunity to get itself back in the NCAA Tournament conversation with a string of wins. Beat NC State and Duke at home, followed by road wins at Clemson and at Pittsburgh, and you give yourself an outside shot. 

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