Syracuse Basketball: The Orange Will Make the Final Four

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Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts along with forward Tyler Lydon (20) during the second half in the second round against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Syracuse won 75-50. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Freshman Phenoms

Two other players who have been absolutely outstanding this tournament are Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon. Both are freshman, and both have stepped up in a big way.

Richardson kept us afloat in that first game against Dayton. We could have easily been down eight or 10 points in that first half if not for the 3-point daggers and outstanding playmaking of Richardson.

He led the team in scoring and also was an emotional leader for the squad. Everyone fed off of his energy and you could just see the game starting to turn once he got hot. It’s like it woke up his teammates and then they blew the lid off.

Tyler Lydon just doesn’t quit. It doesn’t matter where he is in relation to the ball, he’s going to go get it. He has a non-stop motor and plays like someone lit a fire under him.

His defense has been particularly outstanding. In two games, he’s notched eight blocks. That’s right. Eight. He’s averaging four of them per game, and some of them have been absolutely monstrous.

These two freshman have played some of their best basketball in the tournament, and it’s truly amazing to see the development of both over the course of the season. Neither is playing like a freshman.

Leadership certainly helps to win, but talented freshman go a long way. Just ask Duke last year.

Next: #Beastmode

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