They are who we thought they were.
Montana is severely undersized, especially in comparison with Syracuse. The Orange were able to dominate the Grizzlies in every facet of the game. Be it shooting (52-percent vs. 20-percent), free throws (22 vs. 8), assists (21 vs. 5), turnovers (8 vs. 17), fouls (8 vs. 22) or overall points (81 vs. 34), Syracuse completely controlled this game, from tip to buzzer.
The Orange will go as far as Michael Carter-Williams [9] takes them.
Carter-Williams scored only four points (more than three quarters of the Montana players), but had a prolific game nonetheless. Carter-Williams shot 67-percent in limited shots (2-for-3) and was a stellar distributor, dishing out nine assists. He has had nine helpers each of the last two games, and is averaging nine assists over the last five, including 14 against Seton Hall on Mar. 13. In games that Carter-Williams has seven or more assists, the Orange are 20-1, with their only loss coming in the Big East championship against Louisville. In games where he has less six or less assists, Syracuse is just 7-8.
DaJuan Coleman [10] is going to be a monster.
Coleman has been strapped for playing time since returning from knee surgery, but was able to get 15 minutes off the bench in Thursday's blowout. In that time, Coleman scored 12 points (third on the team) and grabbed six rebounds (third on the team), including three offensive boards, which lead the team. Coleman played a lot more during non-conference play, highlighted by a career-high 14 points against Eastern Michigan and a career-high 14 rebounds against Monmouth. Coleman will be a major part of the Orange's offense in the coming years.
