The Syracuse Orange (13-8 overall, 3-5 ACC) hope to get back on track at home against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-5 overall, 5-2 ACC). The Orange are coming off of a close loss to Virginia on the road, after gaining momentum with road wins at Wake Forest and Duke.
SU vs. Notre Dame Tonight @ 7 PM Countdown to tip-off @ 6:30
Who’s Hot: Malachi Richardson
While much has been made about Tyler Roberson’s progression—and rightfully so—, Malachi Richardson has improved greatly from the beginning of his rookie campaign. Over his last 10 games, the freshman has only scored under double-digits twice, while shooting 44% from three, well above his season average of 35%. Like most games, the Orange will need to shoot the lights out from three to have a chance to win, and Richardson’s improved play will go a long way in helping the cause.
Who’s Not: The Interior Defense
If it seems like the Orange have been giving up a plethora of opportunities near the tin, that’s because they have been. Opposing big men have feasted on the Orange down low, something that Coach Jim Boeheim touched on after the loss to Virginia.
“If the guards have to help that much inside, then [opponents are] going to be wide open at the three-point line. We have to be able to defend better. We’re big enough [inside], we’re strong enough, we should be able to defend better [inside], but we haven’t be able to. We can’t defend [inside].
To make matters worse, Notre Dame's second leading scorer is 6'11" forward Zach Auguste, who is averaging just under 14 points-per-game (13.9). If the Orange's guards have to sag down low to defend Auguste, it will open up the perimeter, leading to more open threes and drives for the Irish's perimeter players.
No Jackson for Notre Dame
The Orange do, however, catch a break here: Demetrius Jackson, the leading scorer for the Fighting Irish and their best player, is out due to a hamstring injury. Jackson, a junior, is averaging 16.6 points per-game, and is the clear alpha dog on the team. The Orange must find a way to take advantage of a Notre Dame team missing their best player.
