Fast reaction: 3 quick takeaways from Syracuse’s blowout win over Colgate
Chase Gaewski | Staff Photographer
Ron Patterson elevates for a jumper with Colgate's Andrew Bargmann defending. The SU sophomore had 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, showing he can be an alternate threat from deep aside from Trevor Cooney.
Syracuse ran away from Colgate in a 78-43 win at the Carrier Dome on Monday night, and here are three immediate observations from the Orange’s blowout win.
1. Settling in
After Syracuse lost to Villanova on Saturday, Trevor Cooney said that his improved shooting was just him getting in a groove and shaking off early-season cobwebs. He continued that trend against the Raiders, finishing with 20 points and four 3s on nine attempts.
Cooney looked confident handling the ball against Colgate, which has been a theme of his turnaround. When he presents himself as a threat off the dribble he is more likely to get open off the ball and have space to breathe when he looks to catch and shoot.
In the first half, he took a handoff from Ron Patterson and hoisted a 3 through the twine, and also showcased his versatility while finishing at the rim.
2. Practice how you play
Let’s face it, the lopsided win over the Raiders was more like a walkthrough than an actual game. SU head coach Jim Boeheim played Patterson for much of the game and cycled Chinonso Obokoh into the frontcourt rotation, but the Syracuse defense wasn’t particularly impressive.
It didn’t let the Raiders as much as sniff a comeback bid, but the forwards and centers hugged the baseline and didn’t step out on Colgate players who caught the ball in the high post. That has been a spot that has killed the Orange in recent losses and while the Raiders couldn’t shoot well enough to exploit it, Syracuse looked lazy in taking that for granted.
Surefire nonconference wins can be an opportunity to work out the kinks on both ends of the floor, and SU missed that chance as far as its 2-3 zone went.
3. No. 2
After Syracuse lost to St. John’s on Dec. 6, Boeheim said the team needed to find a 3-point threat not named Trevor Cooney.
A few players put in their resumes for that spot on Monday night, with Michael Gbinije going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc and Patterson hitting three 3s while pouring in 13 points. Patterson didn’t play against Villanova, but was impressive off the bench against the Raiders.
With 39.9 seconds left, Patterson gave the SU faithful an early Christmas present by hitting a 3.
Free tacos to all, and to all good night.
Published on December 22, 2014 at 8:50 pm
