Maybe now they'll learn to put teams away...

[KingOtis]

Well, it is frustrating to see a nice lead shrink, but you do realize this is a competitive sport, don't you? Some of these Big East teams have a few decent players and that makes it hard to impose your will on them for 40 minutes. Sorry we aren't winning these games more easily because if this continues the walk-ons are never going to develop.

That's not why teams are coming back. It's not because they're competitive and have decent players. It's not because they're playing for their tournament lives. It's not because they're emulating Pitt/Marquette and it's not because they're slowing the game down. It's not because of the officiating. And it's not because of stall ball.

It's because our guys are checking out before the game's over. Unforced turnovers. Bad shots. A general lack of hustle.

Had we lost tonight, sure, some of the credit would have gone to UConn. But most of the blame should have fallen squarely on our players.

The rest of our games before the NCAA Tournament are meaningless. (My guess is we lose to Louisville and go 1-1 in the BET.) I hope that the eternal optimists on this board are right and the team just flips a switch when they start playing important games again. But I can't think of very many teams that have been able to do that. In any sport.

 

[br801]

This has always been a characteristic of JB's teams. It is IMHO his biggest weakness. To his credit, he is all about being a gentleman and a good sport. It just does not seem to be in his nature to have that killer instinct, though. We tend to get very passive on both offense and defense when we get a big lead, and that allows other teams to seize the initiative. Even refs subconsciously reward hustle, aggression, and initiative. The crowd goes against us in those situations as well.

I hope you and KingOtis can meet with JB before the next game and express your concerns about his commitment to winning.

 

[KingOtis]

I hope you and KingOtis can meet with JB before the next game and express your concerns about his commitment to winning.

I have no issue with JB's coaching. You can tell from his interviews and press conferences that he's concerned. You can see the frustration on his face during these games. The players aren't getting the message and that's on them.

From the moment the USF game ended, JB preached that tonight would be the toughest game of the year. Considering the way they came out, the players were sufficiently motivated. Unfortunately, they decided to head back to Syracuse at halftime. Not JB's fault at all. He can't force them to do anything.

 

[br801]

I have no issue with JB's coaching. You can tell from his interviews and press conferences that he's concerned. You can see the frustration on his face during these games. The players aren't getting the message and that's on them.

From the moment the USF game ended, JB preached that tonight would be the toughest game of the year. Considering the way they came out, the players were sufficiently motivated. Unfortunately, they decided to head back to Syracuse at halftime. Not JB's fault at all. He can't force them to do anything.

Our expectations for how we should win are just different.

Against legitimate competition, I just think don't think it's realistic to expect us to dominate a game from start to finish, nor do I think it's necessary. The goal is to win, not to rack up style points or highlight reel plays.

No hard feelings, KingOtis.

 

[KingOtis]

Our expectations for how we should win are just different.

Against legitimate competition, I just think don't think it's realistic to expect us to dominate a game from start to finish, nor do I think it's necessary. The goal is to win, not to rack up style points or highlight reel plays.

No hard feelings, KingOtis.

All fine, although I'm not really asking for or expecting us to rack up style points and highlight reel plays. It's simply a matter of closing.

In baseball, you could have a closer with 30 saves, but if his ERA and WHIP are high and he's constantly making games interesting (even to the extent of blowing saves, but later winning those games anyway), you're not going to have a lot of confidence in him in October. And it's all the more frustrating if he was lights out before the All-Star Break.

Lately I find myself constantly reminded of the 07-08 team. They never figured out how to put teams away either. They blew the Pitt game, which was the last time an SU team lost while playing stall ball (in my opinion). And then they had that huge lead against UMass in the NIT and choked.

Obviously this team is more talented (and has more brains) and keeps figuring out how to win close and/or ugly. But it's a risky way to play. If they were playing smart during these comeback attempts, that would be OK. Then I really could credit the opponent and come away more impressed with the way we manage to pull these games out. This pattern seems to be more self-inflicted, though. And that's why I'm concerned.

Maybe the way the played in the first half proves they can flip a switch. We probably won't know for sure until tourney time.

 

[br801]

All fine, although I'm not really asking for or expecting us to rack up style points and highlight reel plays. It's simply a matter of closing.

In baseball, you could have a closer with 30 saves, but if his ERA and WHIP are high and he's constantly making games interesting (even to the extent of blowing saves, but later winning those games anyway), you're not going to have a lot of confidence in him in October. And it's all the more frustrating if he was lights out before the All-Star Break.

Lately I find myself constantly reminded of the 07-08 team. They never figured out how to put teams away either. They blew the Pitt game, which was the last time an SU team lost while playing stall ball (in my opinion). And then they had that huge lead against UMass in the NIT and choked.

Obviously this team is more talented (and has more brains) and keeps figuring out how to win close and/or ugly. But it's a risky way to play. If they were playing smart during these comeback attempts, that would be OK. Then I really could credit the opponent and come away more impressed with the way we manage to pull these games out. This pattern seems to be more self-inflicted, though. And that's why I'm concerned.

Maybe the way the played in the first half proves they can flip a switch. We probably won't know for sure until tourney time.

But this team is closing and is putting teams away because they are answering these late runs and winning, not losing, these games.

I understand your concern, however, and have seen some things I don't particularly care for in terms of offensive flow and shot selection once we build leads (mostly from Dion and Scoop). But there is so much overall talent here that someone always seems to make a play to score the ball when we need it, or someone else makes a big defensive play when necessary. And that depth of potential playmakers is a pretty unique thing in my experience, and I've been watching SU hoops for 30+ years. So I remain hopeful for a long postseason run.

 

[thebigeast44]

Decent players? You do realize that UConn has 2 first round NBA draft picks in their starting lineup? Game after game, the opponent never seems to get enough credit from some on this board.

 

[mantonio]

In all fairness to the King, there is an element of truth to his assertions.

This team does tend to make more risky decisions when they get a lead, & take lower percentage shots too often in that situation. They often overdribble into dangerous territory, & make questionable passes. This can be the result of their high talent level, allowing them to believe they can force dominance upon the opponent at will.

Where the King misses the mark: UCONN is full of talent, & you really can't expect to dominate them for an entire game.

If Syracuse had played a more focused game in the second half, they could have enjoyed a comfortable 8 to 10 point win without the drama of a last second defensive stand.

However, I really enjoyed this dramatic finish, even before I knew the happy outcome.

 

[BlueCurtain]

We were outstanding in the first half. Reminded me of how we were playing earlier in the year. In fact, tonight was a microcosm of the entire season. Hungry and playing with purpose in the first half. Taking everything for granted in the second half.

Not subbing in the 2nd half of games probably has a lot to do with it. When more players play, the energy level is higher - not a hard thing to figure out.

 

[AZOrange]

Decent players? You do realize that UConn has 2 first round NBA draft picks in their starting lineup? Game after game, the opponent never seems to get enough credit from some on this board.

There are posters on here that think the other team is completely irrelevant. That all things good and bad are a result of what we do...

 

[HOFCeluck]

There are posters on here that think the other team is completely irrelevant. That all things good and bad are a result of what we do...

Look I'm not so naive to think that Uconn doesn't have good players, but they are a sub 500 team in a mediocre Big East.

We were in a two possession game late against Rutgers. We spotted South Florida a thrirteen point lead at home, and beat West Viriginia with a little help from a questionable call. A trend seems to be emerging with this team. Maybe it's by design. It's nice to know we are pulling out these wins and 29-1 is 29-1 but I'm still not confident about getting past the sweet 16 let alone playing an Ohio State, Kansas, or Kentucky.

 

[AirForceOrange]

It is threads like these that we need a DISLIKE button. When you get a certain number of dislikes, you are then suspended from starting threads like these for a certain amount of time.

GOOD GRIEF!! This team is 29-1, could/should be UNDEFEATED!! In the interview after the game, I think JB is even impressed by this team in that thay just find a way to win. Yes, they made it a bit interesting/stressful...but if you have been an SU basketball fan long enough, you should be used to it!!

 

[br801]

There are posters on here that think the other team is completely irrelevant. That all things good and bad are a result of what we do...

That just about says it all. May I put that in my signature?

 

[Upstate]

We shot 35% in the second half because we started taking bad shots. Most, if not all, of the turnovers were unforced.

If you look at the TO numbers, you're 100% correct. UConn had 3 steals with our 11 TOs, we had 8 steals with their 10 TOs. Shows that we really killed ourselves out there.

 

[DoctorBombay]

There are posters on here that think the other team is completely irrelevant. That all things good and bad are a result of what we do...

 

[KingOtis]

There are posters on here that think the other team is completely irrelevant. That all things good and bad are a result of what we do...

And there are those who think we never do anything wrong and play with the same level of intensity for all 40 minutes. And that getting a win is all that matters, regardless of how you do it. That's why the Colts won five straight Super Bowls. And the team with the best record in the MLB, NBA or NHL wins the championship every year.

 

[KingOtis]

And BTW, I never said UConn didn't have good players. I said they didn't have a good team.

 

[AirForceOrange]

Having the best record does not guarantee a championship, I don't think anyone is naive enough to believe that. But winning the most games does get a team the best position to get to and win the championship game. In the big picture view, it doesn't really matter how Syracuse won their games, by single digits or blowouts. All that matters is that they won more games than only one other team in the nation. Which will get them a #1 seed, playing in a place that will give them a close to home advantage.

At this point, I beginning to think that for some posters here if Syracuse wins the NC, but it's not a blowout, that still won't be good enough.

 

[mike32768]

At this point, I beginning to think that for some posters here if Syracuse wins the NC, but it's not a blowout, that still won't be good enough.

Well if SU wins but doesn't face UK, the "Not good enough!" cries will go well beyond this board.

To the issue of "letting" leads disappear: let's face it, runs happen. I've watched SU enough over the past few years to have witnessed leads vanish and the team's subsequent panic. I don't see that panic at all this year. Very few sloppy drives, or rushed three's with 25 seconds on the shot clock - at least not a series of them. I can speculate as to why that loss of "control" is missing this year, (assuming it really is) but I certainly don't worry that the lack-of-putting-teams-away is a harbinger of doom.

 

[CuseFaninVT]

And BTW, I never said UConn didn't have good players. I said they didn't have a good team.

I'd agree with that. I think most of your points in this thread are solid. If UConn were a better team, I think there is a decent chance SU would have lost that game.

I personally think whatever happened with Kris is the reason the game got so close. His shooting is what really propelled us to the huge lead in the first half. The nice lobs to Melo didn't hurt of course, but Kris was on fire then went really cold in the second half. Which gave Dion license to shoot away. His slump is just as painful now as Triche's and Southerland.