Syracuse Basketball vs. Duke: 4 Keys to the Game

Win the Rebounding Battle

One thing we can’t allow is for them to get second chance opportunities. If Syracuse wants any chance of winning this game, they are going to need to limit Duke to one shot on the offensive end. On the negative side, that is one of the weaknesses of the zone. On the positive side, Syracuse has looked much improved in the rebounding department the last five games.

Tyler Roberson has really stepped up lately and delivered on the defensive end, skying above everyone to grab rebounds. He’s had double-doubles his last two games and has averaged nine per contest over his last five. He’s had 12 and 13 in his past two games, and did that in only 24 and 29 minutes respectively.

The other big positive here has been Dajuan Coleman. Although his rebounding numbers don’t reflect it, his activity in the post and sheer size have really helped Syracuse in the rebounding department and limited the number of offensive rebounds they have given up recently.

Against Wake Forest, SU gave up just nine offensive rebounds. Against Boston College it was 11. North Carolina, one of the best rebounding teams in the country, managed just 10. Clemson had just six. That’s a great sign for a team that was a sieve on the offensive glass for the first third of the season.

SU has also improved their offensive rebounding, and Roberson is a big reason why. He’s one of the best in the country on the offensive glass, averaging nearly four per game.

If they can win the rebounding battle on both sides, that will go a long way to winning the game.