Previewing Syracuse/UConn at the Garden and Top-25 Rankings

After a massive college hoops slate on Saturday, the schedule slows down during the week now until conference play. We’re starting to get into the end of semesters and the end of conference play, which means big games are usually reserved for the weekend.

However, tonight we get a game that should be played every year and should be played on this court every year. Granted it’s not the game we expected when the schedule came out, we still get Syracuse/UConn at the Garden tonight. Personally, I’d love to see the Garden host a double header of former Big East teams each year with Cuse, UConn, Georgetown and St. John’s in it as four members of the original Big East.

Now obviously this game lost some of the hype because UConn hasn’t been good this year and is decimated by injuries while Syracuse hasn’t looked the part that its fans expected. But, it’s still a classic rivalry and on a day where there are no other notable games, all college basketball fans will be tuned in.

Here is what to watch for in the game:

–  Seeing the 2-3 zone is something that could actually help UConn. They have struggled against man defense and pressure, but shockingly they aren’t terrible against the zone. Facing minimal pressure will allow Jalen Adams a chance to survey the court and make a decision.

– UConn is also a decent 3-point shooting team. Again, we saw how Wisconsin attacked the zone and got a bunch of open looks for Koenig, expect UConn to try and get Adams and Christian Vital those same looks.

– The way you beat the 2-3 zone is keeping their wings up high and having a guy who can catch and dunk on the short corner a la Ethan Happ. UConn has that in Amida Brimah and Steven Enoch. The question is who can get them the ball from the high post? Wisconsin has Nigel Hayes. I don’t think you’ll see UConn put Rodney Purvis there, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Advertisement

– Syracuse should absolutely destroy UConn from the 3-point line. Heading into the game, Syracuse is the 7^th best 3-point shooting team in the country, while UConn is one of the worst defensive 3-point teams. In fact UConn gives up 1.055 points per possession on any spot up play this season. That’s uh really bad.

– What’s shocking is Syracuse is graded as an average transition team and below average when the offense is based around cuts and offensive rebounds/putbacks. They thrive in the spot up game, which isn’t shocking when you see guys like Andrew White and Tyler Lydon out there. Expect Syracuse to spread UConn out, letting the lane stay open for John Gillon/White/Frank Howard to drive and kick. Syracuse likes to run a 4-out, 1-in offense where Coleman will occupy the post.

– Expect UConn to run some sort of junk defense. The Huskies are typically in a man defense, but do run zone about 8% of possessions. With Syracuse lacking a true point guard, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kevin Ollie draw up some sort of junk defense. Whether it’s a zone or some trap in the half court, he should look to mix up the defenses. Hell, the regular man isn’t working anyways.

– It will be physical and there will be a ton of blocked shots. Both teams rank in the top-25 in blocked shot percentage and since it’s still UConn/Syracuse there will be a hard foul at the rim. Free throw shooting will be key as both teams frankly suck from the line, with neither team shooting over 65%.

– Syracuse needs this game more and I expect them to win after a close first half. Everyone has written UConn off after the injuries to Gilbert and Larrier, but there are still people who think Syracuse can be a Final Four type team. They are coming off losses to South Carolina and Wisconsin before beating North Florida by single digits. Not a good stretch. The Orange need to win this game as they can somewhat coast into ACC play then. I think the first half will be close but ultimately the depth from Syracuse will wear UConn out.

Top 25

1. Villanova
2. Kansas
3. UCLA
4. Duke
5. Kentucky
6. Baylor
7. Gonzaga
8. UNC
9. Creighton
10. St. Mary’s
11. Indiana
12. Wisconsin
13. Louisville
14. Xavier
15. Florida
16. West Virginia
17. Butler
18. South Carolina
19. Virginia
20. Notre Dame
21. Cincinnati
22. Iowa State
23. Purdue
24. USC
25. Oregon