Syracuse Basketball: The Orange Will Make the Final Four

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Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Syracuse Orange center DaJuan Coleman (32) runs up the court during the second half of the second round against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Peaking at the Right Time

This has been a huge issue for Syracuse basketball the last two seasons. Particularly in 2014, the team just didn’t hit their ceiling at the right moment. They started the year 25-0, but sputtered down the stretch and were booted from the NCAA tournament in the round of 32 to Dayton. We certainly got our revenge from that game.

Last year, the team actually started the season very strong and, regardless of NCAA sanctions and a postseason ban, were actually in pretty good shape before once again faltering down the stretch.

This year’s team looked like it was a carbon copy after losing five of their last six, but the truth is that it was a pretty brutal schedule. Pittsburgh twice, Louisville on the road, Florida State and UNC on the road. The team might not have finished strong, but all those games were close (other than Louisville).

I think the best thing that could have possibly happened to this team was all the negative press they got after making the tourney.

If you don’t think this team has been playing with a chip on their shoulders, go back and re-watch Tyler Roberson, Tyler Lydon, Michael Gbinije, Malachi Richardson and company in those games. The energy level and focus was through the roof!

The team has turned the corner, are playing their best defense of the year, and are ready for a couple more big wins.

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