Reply to thread

Message

[QUOTE="Coach Orange, post: 2059813, member: 2260"]
Though I agree that Smith's short stint on the bench helped, the press really changed the game.

We were down 10 when we started pressing. Thompson fouled as we started the press, but then we drew the fourth foul on Henderson. Don't forget the fact that Henderson scored 16 against us, so that's an important foul. We hit a three on that possession. Down 7. We pressed again and, eventually, forced a turnover in the half court. We hit another three on the subsequent possession. Down 4. That's a significant deficit reduction with under six to play, and we now had the momentum.

Not every "press" possession has to end in a turnover in the backcourt to be successful. Pressing changes the game flow and puts stress on the opposing team. The stress isn't just physical. It's mental. Your point about fragile psyche actually helps support that the press put them in panic mode.

That said, the real key to victory was the poor defensive strategy by NC St. all game. Thankfully, Gillon and White exploited it, letting our porous defense off the hook after it allowed us to fall behind 16.
[/QUOTE]

Verification

What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?