Don’t call it a comeback. After starting ACC play 0-4, the Syracuse Orange (15-8 overall, 5-5 ACC) have stormed back, going 5-1 in their last six games to get to .500 in conference play. On Tuesday, the Orange take on the Virginia Tech Hokies (12-10, 4-5) in yet another critical conference matchup at the dome.
Who’s Hot- Malachi Richardson
After going scoreless and committing three turnovers in the first half against Georgia Tech, the freshman rebounded nicely, scoring all 13 of his points after the break. He also contributed two clutch free-throws that put the Orange up three with a couple of seconds left. Richardson showed a lot of poise for a freshman, not letting the first half bother him.
“I thought Malachi was great.” Trevor Cooney said. “I just told him to keep being aggressive, keep being aggressive. And that’s what he did. He got to the foul-line, made shots, made plays, and that’s what we need.”
SU vs. Virginia Tech Tuesday @ 7 PM Countdown to tip-off @ 6:30
Who’s Not- Free Throw Shooting
While it is true the Orange do not excel from the free-throw line—they only shoot 68% from the charity stripe—they have been especially brutal lately. In four of its last five games, the Orange has shot under 70% from the free-throw line, including last game, when missing the easy ones almost cost them the game against Georgia Tech until Richardson sunk two clutch ones. With every game meaning so much to the team’s tournament hopes, they can ill-afford to leave points at the line.
Will Allen keep getting to the line?
Despite losses in their last four games, guard Seth Allen has piled up the points for the Hokies. He has scored 20 or more points in three of his last five games. In those five games, Allen has attempted 10 or more free-throws in four of them. The Orange’s perimeter defense will have to limit Allen’s ability to drive and draw fouls.
Matchup to watch: LeDay vs. Orange interior defense
The much maligned interior defense for the Orange has played better over the last two games; they held Zach Auguste of Notre Dame under 10 points, and even though Nick Jacobs scored 14 for Georgia Tech, that was more because the Orange extended their zone in order to stop the Yellow Jackets guards..
Enter Zach LeDay. LeDay is averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds per game. He is the leading scorer for the Hokies, and he has been on a hot streak, scoring 20 points or more in three of his last four games. It will be interesting to see if the Orange’s interior defense can hold up against this type of challenge.
