The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team has been a bit of an enigma this season. They've shown flashes of offensive brilliance, putting up impressive point totals like 85 against Binghamton and 91 against Northeastern. Even in the competitive ACC, they've managed to hit 82, 83, 94, and 107 points, though that last one came in double-overtime.
Yet, despite these high-scoring games, something isn't clicking. The Orange have also found themselves stuck in the 50s or 60s on the scoreboard five times during conference play. So, what's going on with the offense?
Let's break it down:
Three-Point Struggles
In a game increasingly dominated by perimeter shooting, Syracuse is lagging behind. Their three-point percentage sits at 33%, placing them 246th nationally. Only Nate Kingz (36.3%) and Tyler Betsey (39.4%) are shooting above that mark, and Betsey doesn't see much action on the court.
Free Throw Woes
When you can't hit from deep, driving to the basket becomes crucial. But getting fouled isn't helping much either.
At the free-throw line, Syracuse is hitting just 63.4% of their shots, ranking them last in the nation. It's a glaring weakness that's costing them crucial points.
Ball Movement Issues
Syracuse's recent loss to North Carolina highlighted another problem: ball movement. With only six assists and a 3-for-18 performance from beyond the arc, the lack of fluid passing and reliance on isolation plays is evident. The offense often stalls, missing the dynamic passing needed to create quality shots.
Defensive Transition Needs
With shooting and ball movement struggles, the Orange need to capitalize on defense to spark their offense. Early in the season, they thrived on turning defense into quick transition scores. However, as conference play heated up, their defensive intensity waned, forcing them into a half-court game where they've consistently struggled.
Looking Ahead
Syracuse faces Wake Forest next, with tip-off set for Saturday at 3:45 p.m. ET. Sitting at 15-13 overall and 6-9 in ACC play, the Orange are teetering on the brink of missing the NCAA Tournament for a fifth consecutive year.
On Campus
Elsewhere, the Syracuse men's lacrosse team has slipped from the top national spot following a tough loss to Harvard. For the latest updates on their standings, check out Jami Leabow's coverage.
Stay tuned as the Orange aim to turn things around and finish the season strong.