The Orange started ACC play with a defensive battle that resulted in a 64-61 loss against the Clemson Tigers.
Here are some of the takeaways:
No Offensive Chemistry
Syracuse finished the game on Wednesday with just eight assists. Yes, you read that right, eight. Six of which came from Naithan George alone.
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Syracuse made only 18 field goals over the full 40 minutes, but even with that context, the assist numbers are alarmingly low.
What those numbers reveal is an offense completely lacking rhythm. Possessions continued to develop into isolation basketball, with one player dribbling for most of the shot clock before forcing up a contested attempt. Ball movement was minimal, and the lack of offensive success showed.
While the return of Donnie Freeman is undoubtedly a boost for the Orange, it also appeared to disrupt the flow for others. Nate Kingz, brought in specifically as a perimeter shooter, attempted just three shots. William Kyle, who had been playing well offensively throughout non-conference play, took only four shots against the Tigers. These are players who have shown they can contribute on the offensive end, yet on Wednesday, they were barely part of the game plan.
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The defense can give anyone trouble
Once again, Syracuse’s defense was the bright spot, stepping up and locking in for all 40 minutes. Clemson didn’t get many clean looks, especially from deep, finishing just 4-of-16 from three-point range.
What stands out most about the defense is how effectively it contests shots without sending opponents to the line. Through both halves, Syracuse didn’t put Clemson in the bonus, forcing them to earn everything the hard way. And when it mattered most, the Orange got a few key stops in the final three minutes, preserving a chance at a late-game-tying three on the final possession.
Despite the loss, the defensive effort kept Syracuse within striking distance of a 64-61 final score.
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Regardless of ongoing offensive struggles, this defense will continue to be the backbone that keeps Syracuse competitive throughout the season.
Free-throw issues are improving
A few weeks ago, free-throw shooting stood out as one of this team’s most glaring weaknesses. While it’s far from a finished product, there are signs that the issue is beginning to trend in the right direction.
In Wednesday’s loss to Clemson, Syracuse connected on 20 of 24 free-throw attempts (83.3%), a level of efficiency that played a major role in keeping the Orange within striking distance throughout the game. Those points at the line proved crucial on a night when offense was otherwise hard to come by.
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The return of Donnie Freeman should also provide a boost in this area, and seeing shots fall at the stripe on Wednesday was an encouraging step forward. Compared to earlier games in which Syracuse shot well below the league average, this performance suggests the team is starting to address a long-standing problem.
Consistency remains the key, but if the Orange can sustain this improvement, it could eventually translate into more favorable results in the win column.
A tough loss to swallow for Syracuse, and a lot needs to change on the offensive end. But the defensive intensity will continue to keep this team in games. What are your thoughts on the game?
