Who in their right minds thought we would be writing about Syracuse in Atlanta a month ago? When Jim Boeheim started talking about golf it seemed like a lost season and a potential early exit for the Orange. Now there are three big time programs and a Cinderella story remaining to cut down the nets in the Peach State.
An early look at the Orange has to revolve around the key to these wins: the stellar defense to mitigate the potential damage of Trey Burke and the Wolverines attack. Orange Nation realizes it would be Kansas if Burke did not that hit that incredible trey with 6 seconds left from way beyond the arc. Most thought the game was over, but Michigan came roaring back to clinch a Final Four berth.
The Orange is going to have to play the same suffocating defense that got it to Atlanta to have a fighting chance against Michigan. The Wolverines rely on the play of their guards and outside shooting. Based on Michigan‚Äôs last game, the Orange has to be focused on putting defensive pressure on Nik Stauskas beyond the arc. Stauskas was lights out from 3-point land, going 6-for-6 against the Gators. Burke is the obvious main threat for SU. Burke has the ability to take over games and must be extremely confident after the recent late game success. Mitch McGary, the 6’10” center has also led Michigan after a slow end to the regular season. However if the Orange took care of Cody Zeller and Davante Gardner, McGary may not be a problem for Rakeem Christmas and Baye Moussa Keita in the interior.
The key for the Orange is setting a defensive tone early which leads to points on the other end of the floor. The offense thrives when the defense is running efficiently and the 2-3 zone effectiveness has been amazing. James Southerland is ready to take the challenge of competing with Stauskas beyond the arc, tweeting: “I could wreck Stauskas with my 3s. #FinalFour,‚Äù while Michigan was pouring it on Florida yesterday.
While added pressure is rarely a good thing, the Orange has to realize that this is an opportunity to get Boeheim his elusive second banner in the Carrier Dome. Maybe there’s some mojo cooking. It’s the 10th year anniversary since the Orange won it in 2003 and Carmelo Anthony has been making friendly wagers with his current coach and players with each game. The Orange must not get ahead of itself however. It has been an accomplishment just to get this far but history awaits with every game.
Posted: Zephan Mayell
11 responses to “Wolverines Watch: Syracuse’s Keys to a Final Four Dance Against Michigan”
What a fantastic surprise season for us to enjoy! Regardless of what happens I’ll be curious to see how this team is viewed in terms of our FF teams 5 years down the road.
After watching Cuse shut down Indianas shooters, I have no doubt they can do the same to Michigan. It’s only a matter of what team shows up.
If we see the defensive juggernaut of late, then Cuse should be in good shape.
The Syracuse Orangemen don’t come close to being labeled a”Cinderella team”They have been on national television many times this season.College basket ball fans know who Jimmy Boeheim and MCW are.At best we are a team that has moments of success and embarrassing failure on a wide scale public scene. If they play with intensity and somme all around quality they have a chance to lift the big trophy and cut the net down against Louisville which we all know is the wall they must get over this year.At this point Louisville is the best team in the country. Go Orange and prove otherwise.
@Chris – The Cinderella team is Wichita State, the other 3 teams are the big time programs.
I agree with Chris!! This one hell of a run, but they can still break our hearts with a horrendous game. They have done it before this year. Finally thought SU is getting some pub!!! Only WSU is left out by the experts on ESPNU and such. Other than SU I’m rooting for WSU, specially against Louisville!! With the player breaking his leg the nation will pull for Louisville as well. That might work good for JB and the team. Just be in the weeds and let the pressure mount for Americas team Louisville!! Great run from a team that was not as good as the 2 SU teams ahead of them. Gotta wonder!!
DA–Thank god for syracusefan.com and some what lately to syracuse.com for SUFB info. Yes we know the story has to be SUBB now. But come on how about some “desert” after the main meal of SUBB!! Your way behind!!
Well IU beat UM not once but twice. An like marquette its really hard to say they should be in the dance still. If KU does not have a melt down UM is not in the final 4 right now. What happen in the KU and UM game was about the same as what had happen in the Davidson and Marquette game. UM plays atrocious D but plays really well on the offensive end. These few things alone have me wondering why ppl from espn and cbs are all picking UM to win. That to me is puzzling.
Anyways MCW needs to prove he’s the best PG in the country and take burke apart. They need to guard the 3 point line again like their hair is on fire. They also need to get back an stop UM from running. They do those things and will more then likely will be seeing the cards on monday night.
interesting to see a rematch with L’ville again. BEast Championship game all over again possibly.
Can’t wait – looking forward to seeing them in person at the GA DOME this weekend!
James Southerland doesn’t have a twitter. Those are fake accounts.
Michigan has a tough matchup with us, the cuse has trouble with gritty defensive teams, not good shooting teams, su should find it easy to score on Michigan and the 2-3 will slow down the 3pt shooters for Michigan, I’m headed to Atlanta tomorrow, go cuse, this season is about revenge so bring on Louisville Monday night! The cuse is in the house oh my god, oh my god!!!!!