SU run the Bison for last non-conference game

Syracuse’s slow starts are their own worst enemy and played a big part in many losses and unacceptable close games so far this season. 

On Saturday in the JMA Wireless Dome against Bucknell, Syracuse forwards Eddie Lampkin and Donnie Freeman helped break that pattern with a 21-5 run to close out the first half to take a 12-point lead into halftime.  

SU’s momentum continued in the second half to curtail the Bison’s efforts to keep the game close with the Orange winning 75-63 to close out the season’s non-conference play at 6-6.

Shots still not falling

On the season, Syracuse 28.9% shooting from beyond the arc ranks No. 323 in the nation. After going 6-12 in the first half of Saturday’s game, the Orange then went 1-11 in the second half. 

The Orange also ranks No. 171 in effective field goal percentage, No. 223 in free throw percentage and among the worst in the nation in Average Score Margin and assist to field goal ratio. Numbers like these raise concern as Syracuse heads into ACC play Tuesday in one of college basketball’s top conferences.

Slow first-half starts 

Syracuse has become too familiar with slow first halves this season. The Orange are currently among the worst in college basketball when it comes to scoring in the opening 20 minutes, averaging just 33 points per game in the first half. This offensive drought has been a significant hindrance to their overall ppg and has often forced them to play catch-up in the second half. 

While the offense shot decently, and more efficient than most first halves this season, they still turned the ball over at a high clip. 10 turnovers by the Orange led to 17 points in the first half for the Bison. 

What’s even more concerning is that only one game this season has the Orange managed to score more than 40 points in the first half. That came in a non-conference matchup against UAlbany, a game where Syracuse eventually cruised to a comfortable victory. However, this is cause for concern as this was the closing game in non-conference play. While playing in the ACC, one of the tougher conferences in the nation, this could prove costly for the Orange. 

Dynamic duo 

The fifth-year transfer Lampkin and star freshman Freeman combined for 24 of the teams 43 points on an efficient 10-of-13 shooting from the field in the first half. Both players posted 11 rebounds this game with Lampkin scoring 18 points and Freeman scoring 15 this game. Freeman leads the Orange in points so far this season with 149 total points. 

This is another cause for concern. While we knew the freshman, Freeman, could score the ball; there has to be production from the rest of the team. More than just another 18 from the fifth year transfer in Lampkin. Three players, Kyle Cuffe Jr, Lucas Taylor, and Petar Majstorovic contributed nine points, but the team will need more. Especially with leader J.J Starling still out for the foreseeable future. 

Next Up

SU (6-6) will face Wake Forest (9-4) at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the JMA Wireless Dome for its ACC home opener.