First ACC Game of the Year–Syracuse 69, Virginia Tech 58
OK, not really. But in a few years this will be an ACC game! In any event, while it is admirable that Syracuse won (again), it is also impressive that Virginia Tech hung with Syracuse so well. In fact, Virginia Tech was leading at the half 29-27. Not many teams are going to hold this Syracuse team to 27 points in any half. Although Syracuse ultimately pulled out the win 69-58, both teams can take good things from this game.
For Syracuse, the Orange showed that they can win a game where they do not dictate tempo. Virginia Tech fully intended to slow the game down and, for the most part, succeeded. Syracuse was averaging 90 points per game, but scored only 69 points overall. Syracuse showed that they can play tough defense, get the key rebounds, and score without transition baskets.
For Virginia Tech, the Hokies showed that they will be no pushover in the ACC. They were able to dictate tempo against the more athletic and deeper Syracuse team. They were only outrebounded by 5. Syracuse did not get to the free throw line much–as Virginia Tech was able to play tough without fouling.
Ultimately, it was the combination of Syracuse’s defense and Virginia Tech’s turnovers that led to the Syracuse win. Virginia Tech had 15 turnovers to go along with 15 assists. Syracuse had an outstanding 17-8 assist to turnover ratio. Part of what took down Syracuse was self-inflicted mistakes. So far, 2011-2012 has shown great improvement.
On an individual basis, Virginia Tech has to be pleased that Dorenzo Hudson, Erick Green, and Jerell Eddie rose to the occasion, scoring 44 of the team’s 58 points. However, the rest of the team contributed little. Notably, freshman Dorian Finney-Smith never really got on track, scoring only 2 points. He did lead the team with 7 rebounds.
For Syracuse, the starters contributed a great percentage of points than they had all year. Kris Joseph and Brandon Triche scored 20 and 18 points, respectively. Supersubs CJ Fair and Dion Waiters chipped in another 23. Also impressive was Fab Melo, who looks to be ready to live up to the hype this year. He had 5 blocked shots.
The Hokies will face Oklahoma State on Friday afternoon in the consolation game. Syracuse will face Stanford for the Championship of the NIT Season Tipoff.
The Confidential 