SYRACUSE GETS WELL, HAMMERS ST. JOHN'S

February 25, 2009


For the 31st time in 33 years as a college basketball head coach, all at Syracuse, Jim Boeheim has won 20 games or more. The 20th win of the 2008-2009 season for the Orange came last night as Syracuse Enjoys a Big Win over St. John's (Syracuse Post-Standard), 87-58, at Madison Square Garden.

Boeheim Sets NCAA Record With 31st 20-win Season (Post-Standard), bettering the record of 30 that the Hall of Fame SU coach previously shared with UNC legend Dean Smith. Of course, after the game, the emphasis was on what is next, a home date with Cincinnati, and coming up for the Orange, who are now 8-7 in the Big East.

In their previous outing, SU lost a heartbreaker, 89-86, to Villanova in the Dome. In that game, sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn struggled from the field, shooting 5-17 and suffering from flu-like symptoms. On Wednesday, Flynn Gets Well and Shines on College Basketball's Big Stage (Post-Standard) at Madison Square Garden, leading SU with 21 points and 8 assists. Eric Devendorf added 17 and big men Arinze Onuaku (14 points) and Rick Jackson (15) points each connected on seven of eight field goal attempts to pace an attack that shot 65% from the field and scored 87 points, despite 20 turnovers.

Syracuse hosts the Bearcats on Sunday and Rutgers on Tuesday before closing the Big East regular season at Marquette. Afterwards, they will return to Madison Square Garden for the 2009 Big East Tournament.

Read more!

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: SYRACUSE @ ST. JOHN'S

February 24, 2009


At 7-7 in the Big East and losers of seven of their last 10 games, the Syracuse Orange can not afford the slightest mis-step as the Big East regular season comes to a close these next two weeks. SU has landed in the NIT the last two seasons and they need to take care of business over these next few games to avoid another nervous selection Sunday.

For St. John's, playing for pride as the regular season winds down is an all-too-familiar reality under Norm Roberts. At 4-10 the Redstorm have little hope for any postseason play, but with all 16 teams playing in the 2009 Big East Tournament, at least they have a chance this season.


Here are some pregame stories and previews from the internet on tonight's game:

Orange Scoutin Report: Syracuse @ St. John's (Post-Standard)
Ex-Cuse Storm's Poor Hospitality (NY Post)
Orange Men Look for a Critical Win (Post-Standard)

St. John's hopes to follow up Sunday evening's 70-65 win over Seton Hall in cozy Carnesecca Arena with a win tonight in Madison Square Garden against a slumping Syracuse Orange club. The Redstorm upset Notre Dame earlier this season in the Garden and, despite the usual large contingent of SU fans expected, hope to make the Garden their home once again with a big win.

Syracuse players admitted following Sunday afternoon's loss in the Dome to Villanova that they need to start winning. After facing a 10-game gauntlet of tough conference games, tonight is no time to relax and take a breather because SJU is going to come after them to take back MSG.

SU continued to show they are prone to fundamental breakdowns in the loss to 'Nova. Wether it is not getting back on defense, poor rebounding technique or questionable shot selection, the Orange continue to be a team that frustrates when watching them play. They have impressive individual talent in Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf, Paul Harris, etc. However, all too often, it is the individual trying to make the play, not the team.

Tonight they will have to work together and also hope to get some production from Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson inside. If SU goes into a pass/dribble and shoot attack, the SJU defense will make that a very difficult way to succeed.

St. John's will need to find some offensive output to keep up with SU. The famed zone defense of the Orange will put the pressure on the SJU perimeter game, which is very erratic, so how point guard Malik Boothe decides to attack the defense will be the biggest key for SJU. His inexperience might get the best of him in this one.

SU is a 5 1/2-point favorite, which looks to be a solid line. In this instance, I think SJU will struggle with the Orange zone and allow Syracuse to get the win they desperately need.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 71
St. John's 64

Read more!

ORANGE SWEPT BY 'NOVA, LOSE SEVENTH OF LAST 10

February 23, 2009


Villanova and Syracuse highlighted Sunday's Big East schedule with an afternoon showdown at the Carrier Dome televised by CBS nationally. The Wildcats withstood a late flurry of potential game-tying three's as Villanova Survives Syracuse, 89-86 (Philadelphia Daily News), sweeping the season two-game home and home with the Orange.

Senior Dwayne Anderson led six Wildcats in double figures with 22 points.

In front of an excited crowd of nearly 27,000 partisan to the home team, Villanova Turns on the Defense Against Syracuse (Philadelphia Inquirer) to ignite an 11-0 run to answer an Orange run that saw them erase a 10-point deficit to take a 59-57 lead midway through the second half.

Reggie Redding was the defensive catalyst, picking up two of his six steals at the beginning of the run, in helping 'Nova regain control of the game. Redding also added 11 points and a team-high 7 assists in the game.


While SU had eight days off following their overtime win over Georgetown to help heal some of their aches and pains, the flu might have played a major role in a sub-par performance of their top player. SU Comes Up Short with Flynn Ailing (Utica Observer-Dispatch) from flu-like symptoms and finishing with 12 points and 8 assists while shooting five of 17 from the field, including his last-second three-point misfire that could have sent the game to OT.

Villanova Sends Syracuse To Another Loss (Rochester D&C), dropping the Orange to 7-7 in the Big East and 19-8 overall, but not before the Full-Court Press Gives SU a Chance (Post-Standard) at the end, helping them rally from seven points down in the final minutes to having four three-point attempts to tie in the last 10 seconds. The press forced five Wildcat turnovers in the final minutes.

The few minutes of success with the press however did not make up for the many more minutes that SU faced Sizeable Issues (Post-Standard) against the smaller Wildcats and an inability to go inside. Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku, both bigger than any 'Nova player seeing action, combined for just six points and SU was outrebounded 40-36. The loss means the NCAA Bubble is Visable from the Syracuse Perch (Post-Standard) once again. After back-to-back trips to the NIT the last two seasons, bubble discussions were the last thing SU expected when they were sitting at 4-0 in the Big East and 16-1 with wins over Memphis, Kansas and Florida in the pre-conference schedule. While SU is certainly still on the right side of the bubble picture, there is no more time for losing. The schedule is manageable, with St. John's (road), Cincinnati and Rutgers in their next three before playing at Marquette prior to the 2009 Big East Tournament, their 3-7 record in their last 10 against the better teams of the Big East is a concerning stat.

Eric Devendorf led the Orange with 22 points and Paul Harris added 21. Andy Rautins connected on six three-pointers for his 18 points and Kristof Ongenaet had seven points and 11 rebounds off the bench, battlign hard once again, in 24 minutes of action.

Read more!

ORANGE LOOK FOR REVENE IN 'DOME SWEET DOME'

February 22, 2009


Syracuse looks to get revenge for an earlier loss to Villanova when the two teams tangle Sunday afternoon in the Carrier Dome. Just two weeks ago, Syracuse went to Philly and were smoked by the Wildcats from the get-go in a 102-85 loss. The Orange had lost five of six and six of eight prior to a win last Saturday against Georgetown, pushing them back above .500 in Big East play at 7-6. Their 10-game gauntlet of top Big East teams comes to a close on Sunday. In this current stretch, SU has shown to be a notch or two below the top teams in the Big East, a win against Villanova should close the gap.

Villanova had been one of the hottest teams in the country, let alone the Big East, until a Friday night in Morgantown slowed some of their momentum. VU bounced back on Thursday with a 10-point home win over lowly Rutgers and currently sit at 9-4 in the Big East, two games ahead of SU, but two games behind the conference leaders.

Orange Scouting Report: Syracuse vs. Villanova (Post-Standard)
End of the Gauntlet (Post-Standard)
Orange Try for No. 20 (Syracuse.com)

Syracuse has picked up their game at the Dome on a few ‘must-win’ occasions and the expectation they will do so again in this situation. Having eight days off to get Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku healthier and allow nagging injuries to Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf heal should give the Orange a huge lift against ‘Nova.

The Wildcats have been playing very well and that is likely to continue on Sunday. It should be an outstanding game, but a healthier Onuaku will make things a little more difficult for Dante Cunningham inside. Cunningham torched SU for 30+ points in the first meeting. The SU zone will put the pressure on the Villanova perimeter shooters, but look for some man-to-man as well and a Dome crowd feeding the ‘Cuse energy level.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 79
Villanova 72

Read more!

ORANGE BASKETBALL NOTES

February 20, 2009


Syracuse freshman forward Kris Joseph has seen his numbers and playing time shrink considerably as the Big East season has moved forward. A player who his roomate, Wesley Johnson, describes as having untapped potential, Joseph needs to get stronger physically, according to coach Jim Boeheim. A shoulder injury has slowed his development as the season progresses and a form of tendonitis has caused him to have difficulty lifting his arm. Still, Joseph is a positive person and knows he is going to make the most out of his freshman seasons as he remains Sunny While Struggling (Post-Standard) as he copes with the adjustment to major college basketball.

Syracuse fns might be getting awfully wary of NCAA 'bubble' talk, especially after the last two seasons where the Orange fell on the wrong side of the bubble when NCAA Tournament Selections were made. SU is 19-7 overall and 7-6 in the brutal Big East. Out of the conference, they have a win over Memphis in a true road game, without Eric Devendorf, they also beat Kansas in Kansas City (MO) and beat Florida on the neutral court in KC. With that resume, especially considering injuries they have also had to face, the Orange are Close to Being a Lock (Auburn Citizen) for the Big Dance, but they have learned, you need to take care of business. A win on their home floor over Villanova in front of a CBS television audience will bring them one more step closer to being that lock, barring a total collapse.

Read more!

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: GEORGETOWN @ SYRACUSE

February 14, 2009


The Rivalry Week theme promoted by ESPN continues on Saturday with a high noon showdown in the Carrier Dome between longtime Big East rivals Syracuse and Georgetown. With both teams in a downward spiral through the Big East standings in the last month, this is a very important game for both teams hoping to keep their place at the table for the NCAA Tournament next month.

This is the second meeting of the year between the Orange and Hoyas. The first one, exactly one month ago today, was won by Georgetown, 88-74, at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. However, that was the last high-point of the season for John Thompson III’s club as they have lost six of seven since.

Heading into the game on January 14, Syracuse was 4-0 in the Big East and 16-1 overall. The Hoyas jumped all over SU and got out to a big lead and the Orange never challenged on that night. The Orange followed up that loss with a resounding win over Notre Dame back home, but they are currently in a tailspin, not helped by injuries, that has seen them lost five of their last six game.

Here are some pregame stories and previews on today’s game:

Hoyas Keep Confidence (Washington Times)
Two Teams Have Come Back to Earth (Post-Standard)
Orange Scouting Report: Syracuse vs. Georgetown (Post-Standard)
History With Hoyas Filled With Drama (Post-Standard)


Following their win over SU last month, the Georgetown season quickly, and surprisingly, unraveled, beginning in their very next game, a loss at Duke. At halftime of that game, reportedly, senior guard Jesse Sapp and his backcourt mate, sophomore point guard Chris Wright, got into a heated altercation. Sapp, who has been in a near season-long shooting slump, has seen increased pine time since the incident, but this could be an area of team chemistry pulling the Hoyas apart from within.

Syracuse is a banged up team. They lost Antonio Jardine prior to the season and then Mookie Jones went down for the year with a hip injury last month. Now, Arinze Onuaku is playing on virtually one leg and Andy Rautins has been beat up, again causing Jonny Flynn to be an iron man on the floor. Syracuse is also looking pretty ragged in terms of teamwork, but playing in the Dome usually gives them an extra shot of confidence and energy, something they will need today from the large crowd.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 71
Georgetown 63

Read more!

SYRACUSE IN NEED OF HEALTHY ONUAKU

By Zach Smart

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, never one to make long-winded speeches, was quick to point out the issue that surfaced during No.22 Syracuse’s 63-49 loss at UConn.

“We just didn’t convert offensively,” explained Boeheim.

“When you’re playing a team as good as Connecticut is, and they’re a tremendous basketball team, you have to be able to convert opportunities.”

Most opportunities Syracuse had in the second half went by the wayside, as they mustered a meager 22 points.

We did get to the basket,” Boeheim said.

“We did get some offensive rebound opportunities, and we just weren’t quick enough when we had the opportunity. Your defense can only go so long. Sooner or later you’ve got to make some plays on offense.”

Read More...Click 'Read More' Below!!!


The balance was virtually non-existent Wednesday, underscored by the lack of production on the front court. Rick Jackson (7.5 PPG) scored just two points and took four shots, while Arinze Onuako (10.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG) struggled mightily, laboring through a measly 2-for-9 shooting night that saw him score just four points. Residual effects of a knee injury have hampered Onuaku, a 6-foot-9 junior from Lanham, Md.
After becoming close to a walking double-double, the kid who’s playing hurt has watched his numbers wane, significantly.

He’s clearly not the same player who scored 19 points and pulled down eight boards on reigning Big East Player of the Year Luke Harangody and Notre Dame. Notre Dame, like Syracuse, is a team that’s absolutely snakebitten right now.

AO is averaging just 3.0 points over the last four games and his been overmatched in his last two outings.

During Cuse’s devastating loss at Villanova, the Orange frontline rolled the green room carpet out for burgeoning big man Dante Cunningham (who’s a considerable first round draft choice).

Cunningham went to work on Onuaku and Syracuse, pouring in a career-high 31 points. On Wednesday night, the Huskies frontline of Jeff Adrien and Hasheem Thabeet patrolled the paint, outrebounding the Orange, 41-33.

While AO and Syracuse had several second-chance opportunities, there was a virtual lid on the basket. Syracuse shot a dreadful 28.6 percent in the second half and UConn broke the game open following an 8-0 burst, capped by a Craig Austrie three, that made it 52-40.

“He (AO) will hopefully make strides,” said Eric Devendorf following the Orange’s sixth loss in eight games.

“He’s a big part of our offense and the grind it out defense that we gotta be ready to play every game.”

Trigger man Andy Rautins, who’s had his share of injuries, said that the Orange can’t pull the injury card and the ensuing Big East games are must-wins.

“We need to run the table,” said an exasperated Rautins.

The Orange will get their first opportunity to do so Feb. 14, when they face a Georgetown team that’s also frittered away a promising start.

Read more!

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: THOUGHTS ON 'CUSE

February 11, 2009


By Zach Smart

Heading into familiar territory, Syracuse renews one of the most storied rivalries in college basketball tonight in Connecticut.

What’s at stake: A win against top-ranked UConn would end a serious drought, Syracuse’s worst of the season. They’ve tailed off, significantly, since snapping a wowing seven-game win streak.

The frustration that seems to have snowballed broke new grounds Saturday, when the O-lacking Orange was victim to a pulverizing by Villanova. So, a potential upset of the top-ranked Huskies could kick-start a much-needed Syracuse resurgence. The Orange was El Aziza-hot at the start of the season.

A healthy Eric Devendorf and three-point assailant Andy Rautins played a significant factor in that. Syracuse, often lambasted for perpetually utilizing an ultra-soft early season, non-conference slate—one in which they “don’t leave the state”—infected the NCAA landscape with more promising, fresh air than Barack Obama. Non-conference tests passes including a trip to Kansas City (MO) for the CBE Classic and victories over Florida and Kansas were achieved. SU also went down to Memphis and came up with a win. So, while losses in five of their last seven are of a serious concern, they do have some NCAA Tournament 'bank' stored up, but a stimulus package is looking to be in need of soon.

Pregame stories and previews found on the internet this morning:

Rivalry Week Includes UConn & Syracuse
Mental Block (Syracuse Post-Standard)
Orange Scouting Report: SU vs. UConn (Post-Standard)
Defense, Resume Building the Huskies' Focus (Norwich Bulletin)
UConn vs. Syracuse Gamenight (collegehoopsnet.com)
UConn, Syracuse Jostling for Postseason Position (Rep-Am)
Thabeet Turns into Game Changer (Rep-Am)
Calhoun Looks to Avoid Run 'n' Gun Game vs. Syracuse (Middletown Press)
Calhoun Wants Huskies to Set Pace Against Orange (Hartford Courant)


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Connecticut 80
Syracuse 64

Look for the 12 1/2-point favorite Huskies to assume control of this game n the second half. Syracuse will come out with a big effort after their lackluster effort in a loss to Villanova over the weekend. However, the strong frontline of UConn will wear down the Orange and the guards will start to heat up late and Huskies cruise late.

SU Recruiting Notes:

So, Syracuse began the season with an excellent sales pitch for highly-touted recruits. While the strength of their 2009 incoming class hasn’t dwindled, a power surge would certainly help reel in top-notch recruits who are on the fence, including 6-foot-11 DaShonte Riley out of Detroit, who is expected to visit the Salt City this coming weekend when SU hosts Georgetown, the team that Riley was once a verbal commitment to.


Syracuse-commit Brandon Triche, of Jamesville-DeWitt (Jamesville, N.Y.) high school, has been dominant this year. The chiseled, high-flying combination guard knifed through defenders, drove to the paint and scored in transition, en route to a stunning 75-63 upset of Brooklyn power Lincoln last month.

Triche finished with 20 points, four dimes (albeit he committed nine turnovers) and strapped up on heavily-hyped guard Lance “Born Ready” Stephenson.

Stephenson finished with just 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting at Baruch College’s ARC arena in Manhattan. Stephenson wowed the crowd with a wild fast break dunk, streetball flair, and creative passes, though Triche clearly got the better of him.

James Southerland, an instant staple in Notre Dame Prep’s souped-up offense, has also been solid. While his spindly frame may prevent him from making an immediate impact next year (Southerland makes Mookie Jones look like Ben Wallace), his springy hops and all-out athleticism make him a lock for the future.

Southerland, a 6-foot-7, 190-pound beanstalk, finishes strong and brandishes a feathery 15-foot jump shot that he can extend into three-point territory.


Recruiting for the class of 2010 is off to a quick start as SU has verbal commitments from Baltimore forward CJ Fair, Oak Hil center Baye Moussa-Keita and Life Center Academy guard Dion Waiters. SU remains heavily involved in the mix for Long Island Lutheran forward Tobias Harris as well as Detroit Finney guard Isaiah Sykes.

Read more!

SYRACUSE RUN OUT OF PHILLY BE NO. 17 'NOVA

February 7, 2009


Speaking of a Big East stunner. Jim Boehiem had to be absolutely stunned at his team's lack of effort on the defensive end as Syracuse watched Villanova score early and often against little resistance in what turned out to be a 102-85 blowout win for the Wildcats.

Dante Cunningham Helps Bury SU (Post-Standard) as the 'Nova senior pours in 31 points and Villanova Comes Up Big Against Syracuse (Philadelphia Inquirer).

The Wildcats shot 55% from the field and outrebounded SU 46-35. Corey Stokes had 16 and Corey Fisher 14 off the bench and Shane Clark added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds helping 'Nova move to 7-3 in the Big East with their fifth win in a row.

Jonny Flynn scored 22 and Eric Devendorf added 21 for the Orange, but most of their points were insignificant as the Philadelphia Flop (Post-Standard) was underway very early for SU, who trailed 33-14 just past the midway point of the first half.

SU is 6-5 in the Big East, but have lost five of seven and now they have UConn up next on the schedule.

Read more!

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: SYRACUSE TRAVELS TO MEET 'NOVA

February 7, 2009


Another big game in the Big East matches 6-3 Villanova against 6-4 Syracuse at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. The Wildcats, since dropping an 89-83 decision at No.1 Connecticut, have reeled off four consecutive wins, including a 10-point victory over Pittsburgh. In their last game, Scottie Reynolds scored 31 and Dante Cunningham, Reggie Redding and Dwayne Anderson all had double-doubles as the Wildcats held off a late Providence rally for a 94-91 win on the road.

Syracuse looked to be headed in the opposite direction as the Orange had dropped four of five following a 4-0 conference start. Syracuse got back on the right track Wednesday night with a 74-61 home win over West Virginia in the Dome.

Here are some pregame stories and previews found on the internet:
Wildcats Pace Appears to be Good Enough (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Syracuse has been hit hard by injuries, but are slowly coming back to health. Andy Rautins returned from an ankle injury to play 21 minutes in the win versus WVU and Arinze Onuaku was a little more productive in Wednesday’s game than he was in the loss to Providence a week earlier. Still, Onuaku’s problems with tendonitis in his knee are likely to linger and figuring out how healthy he is from game to game will be a chore. It is not good news for the Orange as the junior big man is tough to move in the paint and is the only player SU has to bang against some of the beef found in the Big East.

With Onuaku limited and Rautins finding his stroke from the perimeter again, the offensive burden falls back to the SU guards and against WVU Jonny Flynn and Eric Devendorf were up to the task, combining for 44 points in the win. They will find things much tougher against a physical defensive unit that makes up the ‘Nova backcourt. Sophomore Corey Fisher is starting to make his name as a top-notch defender and Reggie Redding already enters the game known as one of the better perimeter defenders in the Big East. Syracuse will likely try to isolate Paul Harris and have him use his size and strength to over power his defender to score points.

Syracuse will employ their standard 2-3 zone defense. The veteran Reynolds should have a better idea of how to attack and find the gaps than WVU did, setting up perimeter shooters like Corey Stokes and Anderson to knock down some three’s on their home floor.

With a gimpy Onuaku, Villanova’s ability to extend pressure in the backcourt is even more of an advantage as SU is more unlikely to take advantage of one-on-one mismatches inside. Paul Harris is likely to have a good game if he can put the ball on the floor under control and get into the lane, but the Villanova defense is likely to control other SU options. Offensively, ‘Nova will look to hit the gaps of the zone and knock down their shots when the opportunity arises.

It should be a good game, but in the end, Villanova’s defense carries them to a win.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Villanova 70
Syracuse 65

Read more!

SYRACUSE GETS NEEDED WIN OVER MOUNTAINEERS

February 5, 2009



Even with their injured players not 100%, Syracuse put things together and cruised past West Virginia, 74-61, at the Dome last night in Big East basketball conference action.

The Orange entered the contest losers of four of their last five and it looks as though the Funk is Over as a Rested SU Dominates (Watertown Daily Times) the Mountaineers.

Still showing the lingering affects of injuries, Arinze Onuaku played just 18 minutes, contributing a quiet four points and six rebounds and Andy Rautins was scoreless, missing all four three's he attempted in his 21 minutes of action.

On this night, the Mountaineers Had No Answer for Jonny Flynn (Post-Standard) as the sophomore point scored 22 points and dominated WVU frosh Darryl Bryant, who scored just 7 points but did not register an assist nor grab a rebound in the game as WVU could not solve the Orange zone, settling for three's and connecting on just seven of 27 attempts as the Orange Frustrate the Mountaineers (Charleston Gazette), who have now lost three of four, all to ranked opponents, and are 4-5 in the Big East.

Eric Devendorf matched Flynn with a team-high 22 points and Paul Harris Rebounds from Subpar Performances (Post-Standard) adding 14 points and 13 rebounds to the cause. With Onuaku still limited, SU got a lift as the Old Kristof Ongenaet Re-Appears (Post-Standard) and provides SU with six points, seven rebounds and three blocks in 21 minutes, earning a healthy ovation from the Dome crowd.

The Orange are now 6-4 in the conference and pick up some much needed confidence heading into a pair of road games at Villanova this weekend followed by a trip to play at No. 1Connecticut.

Read more!

SYRACUSE AMONG THOSE INTERESTED IN CANADIAN BIG MAN

February 4, 2009


Here is a name to remember: Chadrack Lufile. Fans might want to file that name away as the 18 year old native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and current Canadian resident has been drawing interest from college recruiters in the United States. The 6-foot-9+, 235+ pound big man has drawn inquiries from Texas Tech, UNLV, Louisville and Syracuse.

A UNLV assistant coach is quoted (Canadian newspapers must be unaware that college coaches are not allowed to comment on unsigned prospects) in the article saying that Lufile would be a top 25 prospect if he was playing a high-profile prep school. It is likely we will see if that is true next year as the likelihood is he'll end up at a U.S. prep school nextfall to help him qualify for college admission. For now, he is dominating competition at Assumption High in Burlington and the Hoop Star's Meteoric Rise is Scoring Plenty of Attention (Toronto Star).

Read more!

BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: ORANGE LOOK TO SNAP STREAK AGAINST WVU

February 4, 2009


A very important Big East conference match-up takes place tonight in the Carrier Dome as the Syracuse Orange will host West Virginia. The Mountaineers are 4-4 in the Big East and 15-6 overall on the season. They are coming off a 69-63 loss at Louisville where they dug themselves a large hole, trailing by 20 at halftime, before closing the gap but it was too little too late.

Syracuse has lost three straight games and four of their last five after a 16-1 start to the season. The Orange were 4-0 in the Big East, but now stand at 5-4 and desperately need to gain some footing as the second half of conference play is set to begin.

Here are some pregame stories and previews from the internet this morning:

SU's Onuaku Appears Tentative for WVU Game (Syracuse.com)
SU Hopes to Free Up Wings Tonight (Syracuse Post-Standard)
Scouting Report: Orange vs. West Virginia (Post-Standard)
Must-Win Game for WVU at Syracuse (Times West Virginian)
Syracuse Hungry for a Win (Charleston Gazette)
Ebanks Evolving, Improving (Daily Mail)
Syracuse Basketball in Danger of Complete Collapse (Rochester D&C)
Pivital Road Game for WVU (wvmetronews.com)


Although we still have one-half the Big East schedule left to play, this is an important game for both sides and the pregame stories available today from beat writers covering each team definitely confirms that thought.

It shoudl be a very good game and the early college basketball odds have Syracuse as the 2 1/2-point favorite on their home floor.

The biggest advantage most teams enjoy over WVU is size in the paint. Arinze Onuaku is exactly the type of player Bob Huggins' team lacks. Unfotunately for the Orange, they may be without their 6-foot-9, 265-pound interior banger as tendonitis in his knee leaves him as a gametime decision. Onuaku was listed as a gametime decision last Wednesday when SU played at Providence. He made an attempt to play, but in 15 minutes of action, he did not score and grabbed just one rebound in what should have been a favorable match-up.

The expectation was that Onuaku would be ready for the game against WVU, same with Andy Rautins, who missed the PC game all-together because of an injured ankle. While Rautins is still a bit swollen and sore, he should be a go, but in the last couple days, more questions have arisen about Onuaku's ability.

In the game with PC, SU was beaten, 100-94. Sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn poured in 35 points, playing all 40 minutes, and junior Eric Devendord added 17, also playing all 40 minutes. The Orange defense, however, was non-existent, yielding 100 points and allowing PC to shoot 54% from the field. SU also turned the ball over 21 times, while forcing just 11 turnovers of the Friars. Devendorf, himself, turned the ball over 9 times.

West Virginia relies on Da'Sean Butler, who averages a team-best 17.6 points a game, and senior Alex Ruoff (16 ppg) for the bulk of their scoring. Ruoff has not shot the ball as well as expected recently, but finding a comfort against the SU zone could help him shake some of his shooting woes.

The Mountaineers also rely on a freshman point guard, Darryl Bryant, for the bulk of their ball-handling chores. It is always a stern test for a frosh to penetrate the SU zone and dissect it, rather than just content to pass around the perimeter and settle for three's.

If Onuaku can play and be effective, he and Rick Jackson have a decided advantage of size and strength in the paint. WVU counters with several combination forwards in the 6'7+ range that are athletic and long, but can be bodied up effectively. They will attack, but solid fundamentals in the paint can limit their effectiveness, making Onuaku's availability the games biggest key to victory, for both teams.

This one has me nervous, with Onuaku, I would definitely go with the Orange. Without Onuaku or having him in limited capacity, this is a toss-up. The Orange need it, they have the scorers (Flynn, Devendorf) and an athlete in Paul Harris to get the job done. The week off hopefully has been put to good use and they win a good one.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 75
West Virginia 73

Read more!