Five Takeaways: Virginia 67 Syracuse 62
Syracuse fell 67-62 to #7 Virginia in the Dome Monday night. Here are five takeaways from the loss. 1. Late Game Situations Once again, a game that was very
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MBB: Five Takeaways - Virginia 67 Syracuse 62
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rochcuse44
Well-known member
We could be the best team in the country with a mediocre record. So many close games that we just haven’t closed out. Except for the last Virginia Tech game & Illinois game, we’ve been competitive with the best teams in the country. But it is what it is.
Not winning close games can happen to a young team, but it also happened to our very old team last season, and those losses were more blown wins than 50/50 games. Maybe JB would have preferred the reporter last night asked him why the team hasn't been better prepared to win close games the last two years instead of asking about Benny. \endsnarkFive Takeaways: Virginia 67 Syracuse 62
Syracuse fell 67-62 to #7 Virginia in the Dome Monday night. Here are five takeaways from the loss. 1. Late Game Situations Once again, a game that was very
Looking at the schedule, 6-2 the rest of the way is not out of the question. We'll beat Duke at home. NC State will be tougher but we can win that also. At Clemson and at Pitt is going to be rough. That's 19-12 and 12-6 in conference if we win the games we should be favored (at Florida St might be about even). Likely not enough for the NCAA yet but not bad for a young team. More likely we split the eight remaining. But we have a chance at 19-12 and then more wins in the ACC tourney, maybe four. Or at least enough for an NCAA bid. Hope springs eternal, at least until the next bad loss.
MassaCusetts
Well-known member
I think they have to win out to realistically get back on the bubble. They have some AWFUL losses, and no good wins. My feeling is they need to win out AND win several ACC tournament games to have a realistic shot. There are in fact MUCH better teams with mediocre records based on BPI/SOS (Ohio State, Oklahoma State, WVU, etc). Our BPI/SOS/SOR stink unfortunately.
Maybe not. If we get to that 19-12 and then win three in the ACC tourney, that would make us 12-6 regular season ACC and losing in the championship game. Our bad losses were all early, and I think the committee does take account somewhat how good a team is in March more than how they were in November. And getting to the ACC championship game means we probably beat a couple NCAA teams to get there.
Pretty sure we beat BC. Florida State is much better now than earlier. A must win. Gotta win the next four to have any chance.
Now that I think about it, you're probably right. We haven't beaten anyone on the road. Our best true road win is...Notre Dame with a NET of 185. Ga Tech is 218. Neutral court Richmond is 152. Yuck. We need to beat a tough team in their building and there's only two chances left, Clemson and Pitt. Might need both, along with all the other games and some in the ACC tourney. The rough Miami loss was a killer.
MassaCusetts
Well-known member
I mean the scenario you layout is very reasonable (to get them on the bubble for sure), and isn’t easy, so I’m just saying it might be even harder! The reality is SU has played a soft schedule and hasn’t delivered. BUT, with a young team that should have a lot back (if players don’t get dum) and some portal work, the NIT will be crucial for development.
All that said….just consider if Judah goes pro, Benny, Jesse, and Joe leave, and they largely whiff in the portal. That will be brutal….and it’s not impossible. And if they don’t parlay AW’s efforts into a loaded class? Yikes.
I take back what I said about being pretty sure of beating BC. They’ll be coming off a win over first place Clemson. Grant is a very good coach. He’s not going to get top talent there, but his teams play hard and smart. We’re going to have all we can handle in a sold out small building and pumped up crowd.
Pretty sure we don’t whiff in the portal. SI recruiting director Jason Jordan said a couple months ago that Syracuse fans should be patient right now because he knows for a fact we will be bringing in talent in April from the portal. And that was before Weitsman said he would be offering NIL deals to players in the portal. JB and Weitsman both want JB to go out with a strong team, and Weitsman just got in the game in recent months. Plus the more guys that leave, the more minutes that open up to attract higher level portal players.
MassaCusetts
Well-known member
Smart money absolutely says we won’t whiff. BUT it’s possible, and that’s what’s scary.
At least with BC it will mostly be SU fans. No one cares about BC in Boston except phony alums.
Cusealum05
Well-known member
One of the kids who works with me who I have referenced in posts previously has a very close friend that’s plays for UVA. I asked him to get the kids thoughts on our team. Below is what he said.
-Athletic but not “cohesive”.
-Team is athletic but not comfortable enough in the zone.
-Zone was not difficult to figure out.
-Bennett is laser focused on coaching defense, and the Cuse D needs work.
-Would recommend they move away from mostly zone (I know nothing new here).
Again this is direct feedback from a UVA player, nothing revolutionary but thought I would share.
-Athletic but not “cohesive”.
-Team is athletic but not comfortable enough in the zone.
-Zone was not difficult to figure out.
-Bennett is laser focused on coaching defense, and the Cuse D needs work.
-Would recommend they move away from mostly zone (I know nothing new here).
Again this is direct feedback from a UVA player, nothing revolutionary but thought I would share.