Missed free throws fail SU hoops in close Virginia matchup

Missed free throws fail SU hoops in close Virginia matchup

The Orange drops third conference game with 62-67 loss to No. 6 UVA.
Published: January 30, 2023
Judah Mintz (3) driving in for a layup.
Judah Mintz (3) driving in for a layup.

The Syracuse men’s basketball team hosted No. 6 Virginia Monday night at the JMA Wireless Dome. Coming into the game, the Orange were on a three game losing streak. At the beginning of the game, the Cavaliers got off to a fast start going up by eight points.

As the first quarter progressed, the Orange were able to get themselves back in the game. Leading the charge for ‘Cuse was freshman guard Judah Mintz who led Syracuse at the half with 10 points.

After trailing by eight early on in the game, the Orange trailed by just one point at halftime, 36-35.

Just like the first half, the Orange got off to a very slow start in the second, not scoring a basket for three minutes. Meanwhile, during the drought, the Cavaliers increased their lead to seven.

But midway through the second half, the Orange went on a 12-0 run to take a five point lead. Halfway through the second half, the difference between the two teams, which ended up being the deciding factor, was free throws.

After attempting just one free throw in the first half, the Orange took 17 attempts in the second with many of them being in crunch time. The Orange were only able to make 10 of those attempts. In comparison, the Cavaliers made 8-of-11 attempts in the second half and were a perfect 4-4 in the first half.

Despite the free throw disparity, the Orange had many chances to win this game. With a minute left in the game, the Orange trailed by just two when center Jesse Edwards was called for an offensive foul, ending his night fouling out.

UVA forward Jayden Gardner hit a jump shot the following possession, which ended up being the dagger. Gardner led the Cavaliers with 17 points and eight rebounds.

The Cavaliers won by a final score of 67-62. Although the Orange lost, SU head coach Jim Boeheim was proud of the effort his team displayed tonight.

Boeheim called tonight’s game “the best game we have played all year,” but noted that to win these games, free throws and threes need to be made.

“We had open shots, a lot of open shots and you’re not going to beat Virginia if you shoot 3-for-15 from the three,” Boeheim said. “They’re a really good team. They really played well, and if we make our free throws, we win the game, but we didn’t.”

Jesse Edwards (14) leaps up to intercept a pass.
Jesse Edwards (14) leaps up to intercept a pass.

As a team, the Orange shot just 3-for-15 as a team from above the arc while the Cavaliers shot a respectable 9-for-21 from three. Despite the tough shooting night, Syracuse received a solid performance from Mintz, who finished with 20 points, four rebounds, and two steals.

As each game goes by, Mintz continues to look more and more comfortable.

“I’ve just been getting better as a player,” Mintz said. “My coaches have helped me a lot breaking down film. The support system we have here has really helped me to become the player I want to be.”

Syracuse booster and celebrity Adam Weitsman was in attendance for the game and brought along two special guests,  Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and defensive end Brandon Graham, who took home the NFC Championship last night.

Mintz spoke on what it likes to have those stars sitting courtside watching him play.

“It was crazy. I’m a Washington fan, so it didn’t strike me as crazy,” Mintz said. “But I mean, it is obviously crazy to have big celebrities like that come to the game.”

The Orange now fall to 13-10 on the season and split 6-6 in conference play. The next game for Syracuse will be on the road Saturday at 5 p.m. as they travel to Boston to take on Boston College (10-12). SU previously beat Boston College on December 31, 2022 in the Dome, 79-65.

Judah Mintz (3) getting fouled by UVA player, Reece Beekman (2).
Judah Mintz (3) getting fouled by UVA player, Reece Beekman (2).