Wes Johnson leads the Orange in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (8.8)
We don’t really need to break down Syracuse’s schedule…they’re 23-1 overall, 10-1 in the Big East, and deservedly ranked #2 in the AP Poll. They’ve been doing it in style as well, beating teams by an average margin of 17.9 points, which is tops in the Big East. So rather than look at their 23 wins, let’s look at their lone blemish…a January 2nd 82-72 loss to Pittsburgh, in the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse is usually solid from three, where they shoot .387 as a team (4th in the Big East), but vs Pitt they went an ice cold, 1-13. The Huskies can’t expect that same type of performance, but what they can do is defend the perimeter. It’s been a real issue for the Huskies at times, but against this opponent, I wouldn’t expect the same defensive lapses. Let’s be honest, the Huskies raise and lower their play, based on the front of the opponent’s jersey. It shouldn’t be that way, but it is. Hands up boys, hands up.
Make it a free throw shooting contest. The Orange aren’t a good free throw shooting team, they rank 13th in the Big East with a .650 mark, and vs Pitt they were right on that number (15-23, .652). Syracuse committed a ton of fouls that afternoon…25 of them, and subsequently, Pitt made 26 free throws in the game. Don’t settle for threes and jumpers over the zone…attack it. Penetrate and make Syracuse have to defend the rim…the more the Huskies get to the stripe, the better off they’ll be.
UConn is shooting .734 (105-143) from the line over their past five games, it’s one of the few areas the Huskies have improved in as the season has worn on. If the Huskies have one clear advantage in this game, it’s free throw shooting…use that asset. Send the Orange to the line…even if it means Charles Okwandu has to play some…no easy baskets.
Syracuse is led by Iowa State transfer Wes Johnson, who is averaging 16.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. Johnson has scored in double figures in 21 of Syracuse’s 24 games, and has gone over 20, five times. He’s been held to single digits in each of the last two games and scored a season low 5 points vs Cincinnati on February 7th. Johnson can get himself in foul trouble…while he has yet to foul out of a game, he has had 4 fouls in 6 of Syracuse’s 11 Big East games.
Senior Center Arinze Onuaku is averaging 10.3 points, which is right where he was a year ago, but his rebounds have slipped from 7.3 to 4.6. Onuaku is shooting .675 from the field, which is tops in the Big East and 4th nationally, but continues to struggle from the stripe, where he is shooting just .421.
Sharp shooter Andy Rautins is having his best season, averaging career highs in points (10.7), assists (4.8), field goal % (.428), three point % (.389), and free throw % (.796). Rautins’ 58 three pointers are good for the team lead.
Conference Rank Comparison :
Scoring Offense
SYR : 82.0 (3rd)
UConn : 72.4 (10th)
Scoring Defense
SYR : 64.1 (4th)
UConn : 66.7 (10th)
Free Throw %
UConn : .688 (7th)
SYR : .650 (13th)
Field Goal %
SYR : .531 (1st)
UConn : .463 (6th)
FG % Defense
UConn : .382 (1st)
SYR : .383 (2nd)
Three Point %
SYR : .387 (4th) – Made per game – 6.7 (8th)
UConn : .332 (9th) – Made per game – 3.7 (16th)
Rebounds
UConn : 39.7 (3rd) – Margin +3.2 (9th)
SYR : 38.2 (7th) -Margin +4.2 (6th)
Turnover Margin
SYR : +1.50 (6th)
UConn : -2.13 (15th)
Pitt showed everyone the blue print, it’s up to George Blaney and the Huskies to implement it. On paper, the Huskies are doomed (shout out to the Boneyard), but when these two meet you can throw out the records…anything can happen.
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Half day at school and will be primed up for this one. Lets go Huskies! one game at a time we have to bring the scrap get turnovers and run. Make this a 90 88 game and just get nasty from the start of the game. Get your dukes up this is going to be a tough bigeast fight. We need it a lot more then Syracuse. Need some momentum and confidence.
Not going to lie to ya. This one makes me nervous. PULL IT TOGETHER HUSKIES!!