An explosive fast-break attack helps the Orange overcome another slow shooting performance.
When the shots simply weren’t falling, No. 23 Syracuse turned to its signature 2-3 zone for the spark it needed in a 89-42 thumping of Kennesaw State Friday night at the Carrier Dome.
With only four buckets in 18 attempts from the field, SU struggled to get its wheels turning in the first 10 minutes, allowing the Owls to stick around early.
But as turnover followed turnover, a stout Orange defense paved the way for numerous fast-break opportunities that, before long, built a huge lead and got the offense humming on all cylinders.
Despite poor shooting, the Orange cruised past Adrian in its final tuneup game.
As the second half began and the announced 7,680 fans rose to their feet, No. 23 Syracuse was nursing an unexpectedly low 13-point lead over D-III Adrian. Still, it was right on the doorstep of breaking the game open
Twelve minutes later, it had busted the door off its hinges.
Behind an impressive 23-0 run to begin the latter period, the Orange rolled to an easy 84-35 victory over the Bulldogs at the Carrier Dome on Monday night in its final exhibition contest of the preseason.
SU mounts a second-half comeback as new offensive weapons emerge.
After a disappointing conclusion to a once-promising 2013-2014 campaign, standout performances by two of No. 24 Syracuse’s marquee freshmen gave Orange fans plenty of reason to celebrate again Sunday afternoon at the Carrier Dome.
SU trailed by double digits early on, but seized momentum in the second half behind the play of Kaleb Joseph and fellow frosh Chris McCullough en route to a hard-fought 76-68 victory over Carleton.
Draft experts predict Ennis will be drafted in the middle of the first round.
Less than a week after losing in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, Tyler Ennis announced he will be declaring for the 2014 NBA draft.
“I’d like to thank Coach Boeheim, the coaching staff, my teammates and the amazing fans of Syracuse for the opportunity to play at a great university like Syracuse,” Ennis said. “I feel this experience has helped prepare me to fulfill my lifelong dream – to play in the NBA.”