1. Syracuse — The Orange appeared to be playing without emotion in a one-goal win against Binghamton in front of 4,000 fans in the Carrier Dome. It brought back memories of a trip to St. John's earlier in the season. That same trait gets you upset in the Round of 16. Fear none; respect all. It was understandable as a sandwich game between league bouts, but it appears as if Syracuse is living beyond its means. Cardiac ‘Cuse had just 22 groundballs and 17 shots on goal. Tom Moore had five goals for the Bearcats, who looked strong. Otto will be the top seed in the ACC Tournament and will play a desperate North Carolina squad on Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPNU. Temperatures will be in the upper-80-degree range, so be sure to pack a second midfield and ample subs. All four of their ACC wins came by a single tally. #HeadHeartHustle is 8-1 in one-goal games.
Quint's Top 20: The More We Watch, The More It's Clear Everything's Wide Open
Thanks, OX. Appreciate the work you do to keep us informed, especially when you have to get your hands grimy digging for a positive Orange report from Quint. It's amazing how the Bearcats looked strong and Syracuse ho-hum with 22 GBs and 17 SOGs. Last I checked, Syracuse won the game, Quint. Was the Orange playing their best game of the season, no. Did they find a way to win, yes. That is what winners do, find ways to win.
My Point of View:
Credit to Binghamton, they really did slow the tempo down which kept them in the game, an effective strategy against Syracuse and the transition game. However, no team has beat Syracuse with the strategy (Army won but BW was out and now we have a back-up that can play well enough). The Bearcat's goalie made a few great plays that should have scored and they are not a bad team, top 1/3 in the nation.
What is not noted is that Syracuse will score in transition, no matter what; that all kids want to run the fast game; that few teams go as deep as Syracuse (which is why you can cover the leaders but someone else always steps in and fills the gap); that the Orange has Desko's persona - even keeled, mostly; that Syracuse wants to win every game, whether ahead or behind, they do not quit; and they can certainly handle the pressure (look at the schedule).
I do not think that Syracuse is arrogant, simply expecting to win. Rather, the kids work hard and expect the team to overcome, confidence, not arrogance. I do not think Syracuse takes anyone lightly. Rather, Syracuse takes each team seriously but must still play the hand they are dealt. Every team wants to slow down Syracuse. Even the vaunted high scoring teams don't want to run with Syracuse (Virginia aside, see how that turned out?). Anyway, this is a good team, not like the super-elite teams of years gone by, but good enough to win it all. Whether they do or not, I have enjoyed the season and will enjoy the post-season.
