Syracuse is back at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, and the matchup with No. 13 St.
John’s figures to tell a lot about where this Orange team stands early on. The game tips at 7:00 on Peacock, with Syracuse coming in at 2-1 and St.
John’s at 3-0.
The biggest issue in front of Syracuse is the same one that has already shown up once this season: taking care of the ball. The Orange had 12 turnovers against Indiana, and now they’re facing a St.
John’s defense that has made life miserable for opponents so far. The Red Storm’s pressure has forced double-digit turnovers in all three of their games, and that kind of defense can snowball quickly if Syracuse gets careless with the ball.
That concern goes beyond the point guards. It will be worth watching how the pressure affects Gerry McNamara’s rotation and whether Syracuse leans more on Dual and Moesch together just to help get the ball across half-court. If the Orange get pushed into 15 or more turnovers, this one could get away from them fast.
Offensively, Syracuse has to be cleaner and more decisive. Indiana was able to get hot from three in the second half, but Syracuse’s own offense faded for long stretches.
Even so, the Orange stayed in the game because Moesch and Kiyan hit tough shots late. That kind of shot-making may be needed again, because St.
John’s defense ranks even higher than Indiana’s in KenPom, sitting 13th.
There’s also the physical side of this matchup. Both teams bring size, with every player in the St.
John’s rotation listed at 6-foot-4 or taller, and Syracuse only having Moesch below 6-foot-5. The Red Storm also bring bulk, which makes the battle in the paint and on the glass a key part of the night.
Syracuse has some limitations rebounding the ball, so Luke Wilson, Sadiq White and Abdramane Siby will need to hold up inside. If not, McNamara may have to turn to Tasman Goodrick or Francis Folefac, whether that’s by design or because of foul trouble.
If Syracuse can’t match St. John’s inside, the answer may have to come from the perimeter. But first, the Orange have to survive the pressure and keep the game under control.
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NC State added an extra layer of intrigue this week by announcing Phillip Rivers as its future head football coach, though he will not be on the sideline for this game. For Syracuse, the immediate focus is simpler and more urgent: win two of the final three and bowl eligibility is there. Saturdays matchup gives the Orange a direct shot at keeping that goal in reach, with little margin left to spare. [Read more 🡒]