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.”

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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.