Still think that Houston game could have changed the entire season

[Cuse_NYC]

Had we won that, I truly believe we win 1 of the next 2 for sure (possibly both, who knows). Once we had the one loss, we still played ok, but it’s almost like we played not to lose, rather than playing to win. The coaches, players, fans, we all know that one loss could lead to another and then another, and then we are on the verge of being the same sort of team we’ve been or late. That big win right away would have given us a confidence we’ve been looking for, for years… with that being said, tons of games ahead. Opportunity is there. Hopefully Donnie changes things.

 

[Orangezoo]

It’s possible. Tennessee though should have been more than enough to be that moment just a few games later and both games stand out as being well prepared for and well played then paired with the exact opposite in the games right after.

These type of games are important but only part of a long season. They felt like what you see when a team treats one game as their Super Bowl vs imposing the every day philosophy and game plan.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

It’s possible. Tennessee though should have been more than enough to be that moment just a few games later and both games stand out as being well prepared for and well played then paired with the exact opposite in the games right after.

These type of games are important but only part of a long season. They felt like what you see when a team treats one game as their Super Bowl vs imposing the every day philosophy and game plan.

Yeah, that’s fair. But for our tournament hopes, a 2nd marquee win ahead of ACC play would have been nice.

 

[PoppyHart]

I guess that speaks more to the mental toughness of the team.

Houston and Tenn came down to coin tosses. A missed runner vs. Houston and a missed shot from the restricted circle by Tenn.

Heck, Monmouth had a 3-pt shot to send the game to OT.

So hard to play the woulda coulda shoulda game.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

I guess that speaks more to the mental toughness of the team.

Houston and Tenn came down to coin tosses. A missed runner vs. Houston and a missed shot from the restricted circle by Tenn.

Heck, Monmouth had a 3-pt shot to send the game to OT.

So hard to play the woulda coulda shoulda game.

Yeah, but, we were an unknown before that Houston game. Now we know we can kind of play with anyone. Good and bad.

 

[Giants1973]

# FREE THROWS MATTER!!!!

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

Yeah, but, we were an unknown before that Houston game. Now we know we can kind of play with anyone. Good and bad.

Here's the thing: Syracuse is never an unknown.

We have just been known for all of the wrong reasons for the last several years, and that is hard to shake off. The powers that be should have learned that from the 2000s football catastrophe.

 

[NineOneSeven]

Beat Hofstra and we are still in decent shape.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Beat Hofstra and we are still in decent shape.

Hofstra loss means we need to steamroll through the ACC.

I know there's lots of skepticism, and reason for that skepticism, that we can do that, but there's a greater than zero chance we can.

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

Hofstra loss means we need to steamroll through the ACC.

I know there's lots of skepticism, and reason for that skepticism, that we can do that, but there's a greater than zero chance we can.

The talent is all there for it. Nobody in-conference is completely dominant and infallible. ISU was basically a draw at half; would have been fun to see what happens if the players aren't exhausted.

 

[RedtheGOB]

The talent is all there for it. Nobody in-conference is completely dominant and infallible. ISU was basically a draw at half; would have been fun to see what happens if the players aren't exhausted.

I feel the same about the ACC. No one is really untouchable.

Traditionally our weakness has been getting exploited defensively at the 5. I just don't see us losing that match up for once. So it's just a consistency thing with our back court and seeing what Donnie can do when he's back.

 

[721Comstock]

I feel the same about the ACC. No one is really untouchable.

Traditionally our weakness has been getting exploited defensively at the 5. I just don't see us losing that match up for once. So it's just a consistency thing with our back court and seeing what Donnie can do when he's back.

You left out “getting dominated on the boards” -

Which, as nice as Kyle is, still remains to be seen if we, as a team, can compete on the glass vs ACC front courts.

 

[phsyra]

Had we won that, I truly believe we win 1 of the next 2 for sure (possibly both, who knows). Once we had the one loss, we still played ok, but it’s almost like we played not to lose, rather than playing to win. The coaches, players, fans, we all know that one loss could lead to another and then another, and then we are on the verge of being the same sort of team we’ve been or late. That big win right away would have given us a confidence we’ve been looking for, for years… with that being said, tons of games ahead. Opportunity is there. Hopefully Donnie changes things.

100% true...this season should not be like this but it is...Good teams don't let one loss ruin their season. This is not a good team. This team has not rebounded from that loss and essentially have 0% chance of making the tourney unless we almost win out...It is a reflection of the team's culture that they have rolled over and died the past two years in November and December. It was really embarrassing to barely beat Mercyhurst last week. It was really embarrasing to almost lose to Lemoyne last year...But accepting embarrassment is the new normal for this team...52 points in the second half to Northeastern, "who cares, we'll get em next time". Betting against us to cover is free money these days...but I hope today we turn it around!

 

[RedtheGOB]

You left out “getting dominated on the boards” -

Which, as nice as Kyle is, still remains to be seen if we, as a team, can compete on the glass vs ACC front courts.

I’m not sure what team you’re watching but only Kansas dominated us on the boards by 20. St joes 10. Tennessee and Houston were +5 and 6. Iowa st was even. The rest it’s been even or is outrebounding.

If you think the ACC front courts are better than Tennessee and Houston’s front courts you’re mistaken.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

Here's the thing: Syracuse is never an unknown.

We have just been known for all of the wrong reasons for the last several years, and that is hard to shake off. The powers that be should have learned that from the 2000s football catastrophe.

How the team would perform this season is the unknown I’m referring to.