For four years, Triche has been the face of consistency for Syracuse. He’s been with the Orange for 137 games and has started every one of them. He’s held a major role in Syracuse’s lopsided records for the last four seasons.

Triche played his final game in the Carrier Dome against DePaul on Wednesday. It was the last home game of his career, but also of a trying season that’s seen him both struggle and dominate. Triche finished the game with 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, but missed both of his 3-point attempts. He also handed out four assists and hit seven of his nine free-throw attempts.

During a pregame celebration, Triche was among four seniors recognized on Senior Night. While Triche has been up and down this season, his contributions to the Orange in the last four years are unquestionable, SU head coach Jim Boeheim said.

“He’s been consistent from day one,” Boeheim said. “I think he’s had an underrated effect on our team.”

Triche showed flashes of that Wednesday.

He hit a floater in traffic that gave Syracuse an early 11-8 lead. Just more than seven minutes into the game, SU forced a turnover by DePaul guard Brandon Young, and Triche raced up the court and made the fast-break layup, cutting the Blue Demons’ lead to 17-15.

“He’s a very good player,” Boeheim said. “He’s had some moments this year, especially this year, where he’s been a great player. I believe that he can do that as we go forward. He’s already proven he can do it.”

But his missed shots from outside – shots he’s shown he can make – are where he displays his inconsistency.

Triche has proven he can make big shots in big games. He’s shown he can take over and steadily guide the Orange’s offense when needed. That’s what makes his shooting struggles so perplexing for Syracuse.

Triche has only hit two of his last 18 3-point attempts. Against Louisville on Saturday, he finished the game with eight points on a dreadful 2-of-11 shooting performance.

But against Seton Hall six games ago, Triche exploded for 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 4-of-7 from the arc.

His propensity to be at both ends of the spectrum has elicited concerns about Syracuse’s ability to make a deep run in the postseason. Without Triche at his best, the Orange’s offense takes a major hit.

He needs to be the player he’s been for most of the past four years.

Said Triche: “For us to get there, I think I have to be playing pretty well.”

Published on March 7, 2013 at 12:51 am

Contact Chris: cjiseman@syr.edu | @chris_iseman