SU's Improvement No One-Trick Pony

[Gonzo]

Usually when a low seeded team makes a deep Tourney run, it is because they got on a hot shooting streak that eventually turns cold before the tourney is over. But while SU has had timely shooting the past two weeks, it certainly has not been "hot."

It has won because of tougher D, much improvement in rebounding and free throw shooting, and reduced turnovers. Until the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, SU generally held even against top teams only to fade down the stretch. The past two games we turned it on in crunch time and upped our game.

In essence, we are not riding a one-trick pony. Our whole game has broadened and moved up to a new level. This is critical when assessing our odds for the rest of the tourney and is a very positive for next year.

If the team can now manage to summon hot shooting hands, we could prove to be the tough Final Four out

 

[Dave85]

I feel another apology letter coming from Nunes!

 

[kmart128]

The fact that Lydon is averaging 4.5 blocks a game and Roberson is averaging almost 12 rebounds a game is the difference for us since the end of the season. Also 0 turnovers in 2nd half vs UVa stood out to me

 

[Dave85]

The fact that Lydon is averaging 4.5 blocks a game and Roberson is averaging almost 12 rebounds a game is the difference for us since the end of the season. Also 0 turnovers in 2nd half vs UVa stood out to me

Roberson has been just insanely awesome the last 3 games!

 

[longislandcuse]

It's a couple things like you said..

Our defense has ratcheted up to another level. It's like the Tournament gave them another chance and they are laser focused on their defensive assignments. Similar to the MCW Final Four a few years ago. Let's hope this one turns out differently!

Roberson's emergence. Just incredible. This guy is an absolute freakshow of an athlete. Even plays where you don't particularly notice him, like the Richardson's fake pass/lay-up, who kept the ball alive?... Yea, Roberson.

We are relying on our best players. Cooney has been great this postseason and it's because he's what he was always meant to be, a gritty defensive role player who can make plays from time to time and hit open threes. He's embracing his role much like Roberson which allows (much to Dan Dakich's dismay) our future "possible" NBA Players to have the offense run through them.. G/Mali/Lydon.

These 3 components are why we were always a potentially scary team all year, now we're just a scary team with a chance to win a Title.

 

[PhatOrange]

how about this to chew on. Neither GBinije or Cooney hit a 3 pointer last night. To still win is unbelievable.

Richardson and Lydon 6-12

The 2 frosh stat line– 34 points (9-23 fg; 6-12 3fg; 10-11 ft), 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals, 3 turnovers.