Takeaways From Win Over Northeastern

Syracuse fights off the upset to defeat Northeastern 62-56

1. Slow Starts:

Slow starts have haunted Syracuse through the first six games of the season. This is a trend that has been seen since the season opener when Syracuse started off slow but held on to defeat the Bryant Bulldogs. Coming into this afternoon’s game against Northeastern, the Orange quickly fell behind 8-2 to start the game. Although the Orange fought their way back in the first half, they struggled shooting from the field and led only by one-point heading into the half (32-31). Two of their top scorers in Alan Griffin and Buddy Boeheim combined for just 2 points, going 1-8 from the field in the half. The beginning of the second half proved not to be much better, with Syracuse shooting just 1-13 from the field. The Orange need to get out to faster starts, in order to avoid falling from behind in games. This will take the pressure off of shooters like Griffin and Boeheim who went a combined 1-16 from the field today.

2. Girard Proving the Doubters Wrong:

Joe Girard III was hands down the Oranges top performer in today’s victory over the Huskies. Although Girard did not shoot the lights out, he went 5-16 from the field, shot 2-9 from three, made all 9 of his free throws, and finished with 21 points in 39 minutes of action. This is Girard’s second straight game with double digit points, as he continues to let the ball fly, regardless of his shooting performance. He has been very hit or miss for Syracuse through the first six games of the season but continues to show that he can step-up when scorers like Griffin and Boeheim struggle.

3. Guerrier Steps it up, While Griffin Struggles:

Coming into the game Quincey Guerrier was shooting close to 70%. Gurrier was the second leading scorer finishing with 18 points and a career high 16 rebounds in 39 minutes of action. He was dominant down low all game long for the Orange against the Huskies. Guerrier has proven he is one of the Oranges go to player’s when Girard, Boeheim, and Griffin are struggling from the field. After posting consecutive games of at least 20 points, Alan Griffin struggled to get on the scoreboard today. Griffin went 0-4 with 3 turnovers, which forced Coach Boeheim’s hand to bench him for the final 8 minutes of the game. Sitting Griffin had more to do with who was playing well, in order to close out the game. Look for Griffin to bounce back when the Orange have another favorable game against the Buffalo Bulls (3-2) at home on Saturday at 6:00 PM EST.