MBB: Syracuse Loses Another Close One as Virginia Tops Orange

[MikeMcAllister]

Syracuse Loses Another Close One as Virginia Tops the Orange

In a back and forth game, missed free throws from Syracuse and key shot making from Virginia cost the Orange a win against the seventh ranked Cavaliers.

www.si.com

 

[ThePearl]

We just couldn't get the ball off the glass or on the floor at the defensive end in the biggest moments. Jesse and Maliq never getting a rest might've had something to do with that. We were fighting for it but it wasn't good enough.

They doubled Jesse every time he touched it. He was unable to get it to Maliq in the second half like he did in the first.

Joe had a lousy game. He was guarded by the bigger Franklin sometimes. JT had a poor game also. Another one of those games where he never looks quite comfortable.

Our zone was a lot more active the last 3/4 of the game than it had been. We played it well for much of the second half.

Symir is the fourth best player on the team. Wish he played more.

 

[rochcuse44]

We just can’t seem to get over the hump and close out a win against these good opponents. Once again, I didn’t like a lot of the calls by the refs, but we squandered too many opportunities. Missed free throws definitely hurt, but we also couldn’t hit the big shot or get the big rebound down the stretch.

 

[MassaCusetts]

We just can’t seem to get over the hump and close out a win against these good opponents. Once again, I didn’t like a lot of the calls by the refs, but we squandered too many opportunities. Missed free throws definitely hurt, but we also couldn’t hit the big shot or get the big rebound down the stretch.

That’s what happens when your talent isn’t better. They have such a razor thin margin for error against good competition. For me, I do take some satisfaction with how much this team improved as the season rolls on. I didn’t think we’d see that. It does frustrate me that so much of that was a question of intensity early, and I think they could have come in better prepared. But progress is progress. Hopefully they can stay afloat for the NIT. Even that will be beneficial looking forward.

 

[rochcuse44]

I think experience is a factor, too. With so many young guys on the team, it takes time to learn how to close out games. I do feel bad for Joe & Jesse if this is their last year and we don’t make the tournament. But if they don’t come back, we need to reload and bring in some good replacements.