HOKIES HOOPS CENTRAL: SYRACUSE (13-8) AT VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (12-8) AT 7PM ACCN

HOKIES HOOPS CENTRAL: SYRACUSE (13-8) AT VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (12-8) AT 7PM ACCN

Syracuse (13-8, 6-4 ACC)
vs. Virginia Tech (12-8, 2-7 ACC)
January 28, 2023
Cassell Coliseum
7 p.m. ET
ACCN
Virginia Tech Sports Network

TV Broadcast
ACCN
Play-by-Play: Wes Durham
Analyst: Dan Bonner

Local Radio
Virginia Tech Sports Network
Play-by-Play: Zach Mackey
Analyst: Mike Burnop

Current Spread: Hokies -6.5
Over/Under: -141

A Different Day...
The Hokies are home against Syracuse teetering between working back to respectability and season over. The Hokies have Cattoor back in this one which is the major difference from the prior game.

The Orangemen are coached by Jim Boeheim. He began his college coaching career in the Stone Age at Syracuse as an assistant coach in 1969 and has been there ever since. He took over at Syracuse in 1976 and has a 1011-434 overall (427-269 in ACC) record guiding the Orangemen.

Syracuse really only has one semi quality win over Notre Dame. All of their other victories are against lower tier ACC and bottom 100 overall teams. Since facing the Hokies they have gone 3-3 with wins over GT, Louisville and Notre Dame. Their losses are to UVA, UNC and Miami.

This team is led by guards Joseph Girard and Judah Mintz, who combine for 33 points, 5 rebounds and assists. Jesse Edwards will also play a major factor in defending the paint.

Defensively, the Orangemen employ the Packline Defense, which focuses on taking away an opponents shot while not giving up easy driving lanes. There is also a huge focus on preventing the high post pass and disrupting return passes from the high post to the top of the key, leading to turnovers. The most critical person in this defense is the center Jesse Edwards, who has shown he is able to sag low in the lane to prevent penetration on the baseline as well as when to press up to prevent interior passing.

Also look for Boeheim to employ a significant amount of full to three quarter court defense off made baskets. The Hokies have struggled with pressure which may encourage Syracuse to increase its use as the game progresses.

Offensively, Syracuse usually runs the motion offense, but in the last two seasons have had a greater focus on creating fast break points and moving quickly to get a shot. Their average possession time is one of the shortest in the NCAA. Boeheim relies on creating extra possessions and increasing the overall speed of play to wear down opponents.

The most important part is the amount of movement in the offense. You don't see one guy with the ball while the other 4 guys just stand around and watch. When someone passes the ball, they immediately move to a different spot on the court, and another player moves to replace them.

One common play that Boeheim teams run extensively in the half-court is called the 23 Orange. In this set play, the 4 and 5 start on the blocks with the 3 in the corner. The other two players begin at the top on the perimeter forming the "23" set. As a post flashes high, the ball handler passes to that post and moves to the opposite wing. The post can then pass to the second guard on the perimeter and follow for a ball screen. If the second guard passes out, the post flashes high and looks to make the high low pass to the opposite big. If it's not there, the post dives low as primary brings the ball up, forming the "23 again". This is a common set in Boeheim's motion offense.

The Orangemen Backcourt
Joseph Girard
11 SR G 6-1 195
17.5 Pts, 2.9 Reb, 3.3 Ast

Judah Mintz
3 FR G 6-3 172
15.0 Pts, 2.4 Reb, 4.4 Ast

Justin Taylor
4.6 Pts, 1.9 Reb, 0.8 Ast

Symir Torrence
10 SR G 6-3 200
2.9 Pts, 1.5 Reb, 1.8 Ast

The Orangemen Frontcourt
Jesse Edwards
14 SR C 6-11 215
13.6 Pts, 10.6 Reb, 1.5 Ast

Chris Bell
0 FR F 6-7 180
7.2 Pts, 1.6 Reb, 0.5 Ast

Benny Williams
13 SO F 6-8 215
7.2 Pts, 4.3 Reb, 1.1 Ast

Maliq Brown
1 FR F 6-8 213
5.8 Pts, 4.6 Reb, 0.7 Ast

What to expect from Syracuse?
Short possessions over and over and over on both sides of the ball. Boeheim aims to get you caught up in the pace so you lose focus on your game plan.

The Orangemen are wildly inconsistent in overall scoring. They range from 95 against Oakland to 44 against #16 Illinois. Average against the better teams is around 65 a game.

Perimeter shooting is a not a major part of the Orangemen strategy. They average only 17 attempts per game but do shoot 36% so the Hokies still must defend the perimeter. That said, most readers here know the history that some no name deep off the bench usually comes in to hit 50% in a career night.

The Hokies
Having Cattoor's ability to defend and shoot from three should make a big difference in the flow of this game. He helps to spread the defense and will give Girard a much harder time. I do not expect Girard to break the 15 point barrier.

Last time against Syracuse, Basile played arguably his most complete game. Getting that kind of inside performance again would be a huge boost for the Hokies.

The Hokies will need big games from Kidd and Poteat along the baseline for backside baskets. Breaking the baseline against this defense needs to add 20+ points overall.

Slow, methodical possessions to find open shots. Expect to see Mutts or Basile alternating at accepting passes along the free throw line in an attempt to draw Edwards high in the lane. This is needed to create baseline opportunities. Maddox role continues to be diminished until he shows the coaches he is ready to be out there.
Collins may get involved coming out of the deep corner three to expose open layup opportunities along the baseline.

Highlight of the Duke game
Silly Basile underneath.

In Closing
The Hokies get a big boost from Cattoor getting close to form from outside The Hokies have a sold out Cassell to motivate them.

Limiting turnovers and lowering Syracuse' overall opportunities is critical to success. Cattoor shutting down Girard will also make a big difference.

Hokies final will come down to the little things, turnovers, free throws and who shoots the three better.

Hokies pull out a nail biter 71-69.

This is a three Popcorn Decision. Too many inconsistencies game to game to be overly confident.

Confidence Factor:
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Comments

Let's go......

SCHokie

HOKIES

I must have read a thousand faces
I must have robbed them of their cause
Sickened thirst, Sickened thirst
Keeps it together
Soft white glow in the cranium
A bullseye made sedated

Win or lose, let the record show that Jim Boeheim sucks.

Yes. Yes he does. He can suck my balls. He's a snotty conceited prick who tried to keep us out of the Big East and refused to come play us in Cassel. Fuck that asshat.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Never Forget #1 Overall Seed UVA 54, #64 UMBC 74

This guy gets it.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Apparently Maddox is out dealing with a family matter

"That's it guys. Let's get out of here. That cold drink's waitin' on us, let's go." - Mike Young after win no. 300.

Just saw that too on Twitter. Hope everything is ok

Not sure he was going to play a big role anyway.

Yeah I'm not sure what's going on there. He's a very good player. Had been showing signs of life recently. Was really hoping he was about to get going

"That's it guys. Let's get out of here. That cold drink's waitin' on us, let's go." - Mike Young after win no. 300.

last game against the orange we had 11 turnovers and were only 3-19 on 3-pointers.
need to limit turnovers and hopefully with Cattoor back we'll improve on our outside shooting.

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Get Camden out Jesus

His shot just does not look great

Going to need to start hitting some of these open threes

Boys....Thank you.

Unbelievable we are winning shooting 2-10 outside.

3 of those were Camden just now lol; 2/7 doesn't look quite as bad

Have only seen like a minute and a half since they switched over from FSU-Clemson and I'm already done seeing Camden

Pedulla should not ever cover Girard. Just an unfavorable matchup

Some soft foul calls early; unlike backyard brawls that happened earlier in the year

the ball movement is coming alive!!!

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

It really is a beautiful thing when a team breaks down Syracuse's zone. You love to see it

12 assists on 13 made FG thus far. that's pretty dang good!

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Hey, Camden is actually capable of recording something in the statsheet

Collins is having a game. This kid is growing up game by game.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Also- we're 9-18 from 3 tonight-

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Wow some bs calls given to Mintz

He should name his first son Junior.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

And his daughter, Pepper

Warning: this post occasionally contains strong language (which may be unsuitable for children), unusual humor (which may be unsuitable for adults), and advanced mathematics (which may be unsuitable for liberal-arts majors)..

And his former animated scientist platypus, ex-perry

"Why gobble gobble chumps asks such good questions, I will never know." - TheFifthFuller

Tough on officials to call him for it with all the herky jerky motion in his game. Just keeps defenders on awkward footing

Wow I love having cattor back and mj Collins starting

11 3s in the half, wild

Now finish up them taters; I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters.

Lets not do that thing where we cool off for the next 15 minutes and make the last 5 way more interesting than it should have been.

amen to that
hit em in the throat... I mean put cha foot down on their throat!

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

almost afraid to comment on how good that 1st half offense was. (because there's still another half to play).
but, 62.5% FG, 55% from 3.
18 assist on 20 made FG, that's unheard of.
and only 4 turnovers.
somebody pinch me... I'm dreaming!

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Think Pedulla riding pine helped turnovers or just gameplan against zone was working well?

think it helped a little. he's usually good for a lazy pass or two. or an out of control drive and lose the ball.

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Ok the fouls going in favor of Mintz getting ridiculous

NOT A FOUL ON PEDULLA WTF

Pedulla wouldn't get called for fouls if he moved his feet on defense ๐Ÿคท๐Ÿปโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Almost as bad as all the fouls that got called on JRob back in the day against UNC

He got into him with the body when he went up for the shot. They call that every time.

Yah second look I saw the contact more; they don't call it EVERY time as I've seen us get mauled in other games and crickets but I guess as long as their consistent which I think they have been this game

Pedulla must have hit on Jamie Lucky's daughter or something.

Damb we have got to figure out how to do better under pressure d ๐Ÿ˜‚ when people play tight defense esp full court we pannnnnnic pass

I feel like we have taken our foot off the gas pedal...we should not do that.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Mutts has 2 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assist.
I think he'll get his next 2 assist.
Then go full assault on reaching 10 points for the triple double

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

I was thinking the same....now needs needs 2 assists and 4 points.....

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Need to fight through this and get the lead back up to 20.

Edit: that's more like it

Yes,that's the Hokie Bird riding a camel. Why'd you ask?

Mintz now officially getting away with whatever he wants. The press is going a step too far with no whistles

Announcers are all over Mutts for a lack of a killer instinct tonight. Can't say I really disagree. He's pulling up and allowing Cuse to set up their half court defense seemingly every time he touches it. Probably need to attack more, especially against that press

This is my school
This is home

Yeah it's like we were in drain the clock mode but not punishing them at all for pressing by waiting for them to get back in their zone

Yeah, if you break the press, get the points. When you have a 2 on 1 or 3 on 1 that should be a free basket. Take it when they give it to you, especially when our half court offense has just ripped off a few empty possessions

This is my school
This is home

agree and agree

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Several times it's been him and Basile two on one after breaking the press and he holds the ball. Needs to attack.

Doesn't matter if it's cake or pie as long as it's chocolate.

Absolutely. Often, it's him, one defender low with Basille or Camden at the baseline. Mutts could dribble and drive to the basket and make the defender choose what to defend. Mutts will either layup/dunk or dish for an easy layup/dunk. That's what I'm seeing often. We have the lead to give it a whirl.

With as often as it's happened I have to think it's coming from the coaches. You can tell his pull-ups are unnatural for him which makes me think he is having one of those "oh yeah...coaches want us to slow up"

Mutts played MY's plan to perfection tonight....he was the distributor.....that's what MY needed to beat the pack line.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Mutts needs two assists and four points for a triple double. Go Justyn.

Doesn't matter if it's cake or pie as long as it's chocolate.

Drink.....(look up)

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Gonna have to take back my Camden slander

Rewound and watched. That was 5.5 seconds

We put the K in Kwality

Yah didn't understand the call there

Just ridiculous how poor we are at breaking this press, especially with how many stoppages there have been

I agree but at the same time Syracuse is getting away with a lot of contact on some of these steals

Yeah commented on that above but too many times our guards have it with space and are allowing two Orange defenders to close in before moving

Missed that, I will happily drink!

Feel like we've broken it pretty decently
When Pedulla has been on the floor....which hasn't been a lot haha

Poteat murdered that guy

Suck it Boeheim. You got spanked.

My wife takes the kids and leaves the house while I watch my Hokie games.........nuff said

Where's Maddox?

Missed game due to family emergency

This is my school
This is home

I like low stress wins

This is my school
This is home

Hate taking the shot clock violation there. Counts as a turnover

both teams with 15 TO. But we outscored them 24 - 14 on points off turnovers.

I seldom speak to loluva grads, but when I do, I tell them I want large fries.

Fam

Good win tonight but man we look terrible against the press. I was hoping Pedulla would help it out but even when he was in it was still ugly trying to break it. Props to Camden and Collins for playing some huge minutes tonight. Basile and Mutts were ripping that 2-3 zone up all night.

Impressed with Camden D on Taylor and his gamer plays on loose balls, rebounds (had 6) and 3 assists. He's 6-9 with perimeter skills and post ability. As he gets comfortable with game spoed he'll be a match up problem. Dude had Indiana, Fla, Syr offers out of HS.

Edit... After the three missed shots the team picked him up at the timeout, encouraging him to press on.

And seeing Taylor up close... Wow thats a star in the making. Hate we missed on him

'Its easy to grin, when your ship comes in, and you've got the stock market beat,
but the man worthwhile, is the man who can smile, when his shorts are too tight in the seat'

Yeah, Camden is a super long dude and that really helps him out defense. I wouldn't be surprised if his wingspan is pushing near seven feet lol. He still looks unsure of himself on offense, but I was impressed with how he stepped up and delivered good minutes. He kept shooting when good opportunities presented themselves too, so he did great there. I felt like you could feel Cassell getting a bit frustrated after he missed three 3's in a row, but I noticed his team encouraging him in that timeout too.

This was an encouraging game from Camden. Like you mentioned, he was a 4 star recruit with a nice offer list. But he basically missed all of his freshman year with injuries and just hasn't played much basketball. So its essentially like we're playing a true freshman out there from an experience stand point. It's taken time for him to get acclimated to P5 college ball like it does many freshman and he's also shaking off rust since he hasn't really played competitive ball since HS. He really struggled in the early games for us this season but did well here, hopefully a sign that he's figuring it out and more good things are to come