Syracuse came into this crucial road test against Marquette on a three game losing streak, their longest in two years. The Golden Eagles had lost two straight of their own, and were also looking for their first victory against Syracuse as a member of the Big East.
Marquette [15] jumped out to a 10-3 lead to start the game and ended up never trailed. The Orange struggled to get into their sets in the first half and never gained much momentum. Syracuse [16] trailed at the half 42-31.
The Orange opened the second half with two quick buckets by Fab Melo and Rick Jackson, and they were able to tie the game with eight minutes to go on a Scoop Jardine layup. However, clutch shooting saved Marquette down the stretch as Jimmy Butler [17] and Darius Johnson-Odom [18] sealed the game for the Golden Eagles with back-to-back 3-pointers.
Marquette forward Jae Crowder [19] had a game-high 25 points with 13 of them coming in the second half. Butler and Johnson-Odom had 19 and 17, respectively. Kris Joseph led the Orange with 18 points while Jardine added 13 points and 13 assists.
During the Orange’s four game skid they have seemed to have a lack of focus. With a roster full of inexperienced players it is key that they regain their confidence. SU head coach Jim Beoheim [20] chose not to play James Southerland or Dion Waiters today, which causes some concern. If this team expects to make a deep run in March, they will need contributions from both Waiters and Southerland.
After arguably the roughest three-game stretch of his career, Jardine bounced back with a solid performance, but still struggled with mental lapses.
The Orange have no time to feel sorry for themselves. They travel to Connecticut [21] Tuesday to take on Kemba Walker [22] and the No. 9 Huskies. The Huskies are coming off a double-overtime loss to Louisville and will look to bounce back against Syracuse.
Tipoff is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m.
