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[QUOTE="FortyFourCT, post: 202015, member: 382"]
This is a good topic.  I would try to take advantage of our weaknesses.  If I was the opposing coach, one obvious weakness that I would try to exploit is rebounding.  On defense I would crash the boards hard, make a real effort to get every single rebound.  Limit Syracuse to 1 shot and done.  As soon as the rebound is secured look for the quick outlet passes, and push the ball up court.  Fast!  I want to avoid one of Syracuse's greatest strengths this year, the 2-3 zone, by getting down court before they can set up.  I think there are a lot of easy baskets to be had here.  If you don't beat it back, then set up your offense however you do it best.  But take chances even on a 2 on 3.  Certainly you can score just as often here as against a zone that is playing great that night and if not, you'll at least pick up a few fouls against Syracuse.
 
I don't think the final score matters to Syracuse.  They can play games in the 50's or 80's and still win.  So it is not a matter of running on them or playing stall ball.  It is a matter of creating opportunities for yourself that plays to Syracuse's weaknesses (or avoiding their strengths).
 
What could really snowball for you is if you are dominating the boards, Boeheim is going to make adjustments, perhaps by encouraging his guards to get in deeper for boards, which could help us beat the zone back on offense.
 
Also, on defense, somebody else said it best.  Play off of Scoop and Dion.  Play tight on Kris.  Play tight on CJ and put a body on him whenever a shot goes up.  Melo is tough to deal with.  I wouldn't worry about taking it at him and trying to get fouls on him, though that is a good strategy if you have the personnel.  Stop and pop before he can come out to you.
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