The Downside- Virginia Tech

[SWC75]

- That one bad stretch early in the second half started on the offensive end: we were missing shots and Tech was running. We didn’t catch up to them and they got a series of open shots. And scored 12 straight points to close to within 34-31. It looked like all our good work in the first half was going down the drain. But the bad stretch ended where it began: we started to make shots, which allowed us to set up on defense, (even though we weren’t pressing), and we regained control of the game and went on an 11-0 run of our own. The game never got close again. But this showed that while defense can create offense, (as Tech was doing), offense can also create defense, (as we were doing). When we aren’t scoring, we are not going to be as good on defense.

- Both Oshae Brissett and Frank Howard had downsides within their upsides. Brissett was 0 for 4 from the arc, (his teammates were 5 for 11: 45.5%). As Boeheim says: he can make that shot. Tonight he didn’t.

- Howard had 5 turnovers, lowering his assist to turnover ratio on the season to a poor 84-58.

- First half points off turnovers: Syracuse 11 Virginia Tech 2. Second half: Syracuse 0 Virginia Tech 15. The four treys in the 12-0 run was most of that. The ‘0’ is actually the worse stat. I guess it’s hard to keep up the intensity for 40 minutes. But 35 will usually be enough to win.

 

[SBU72]

I don't think the problem was not getting down court so much but converging 4 guys to the basket leaving wide open shots. Getting back in positon made a big difference. Realizing that 2 gurs covering inside was usally enough. Same thing when the ball gets to the high post dosen't require 4 guys to collapse there leaving 3 open shooters.