Syracuse Basketball vs. Gonzaga: 4 Keys to the Game

Don’t Allow Low Post Entry Passes

This is centered around Sabonis really. Sabonis is shooting an astonishing 72% from inside of five feet. Basically, if he gets the ball at the rim, it’s pretty much automatic. He’s got excellent touch, uses his size well, and isn’t afraid to attack the basket.

The way Syracuse can combat this is always put a body on him if he tries to post up and deny the entry pass. This is obviously easier said than done, especially when Lydon is in the game due to his small frame and the 3″ he gives up in height.

However, Lydon also has an advantage, he’s faster. What he needs to do is understand when a pass is going to be thrown in, and instead of trying to force his way through Sabonis, duck under or around him and knock the ball away. He doesn’t need to steal it, he just needs to get a hand on it and disrupt the offensive flow.

Another way Syracuse basketball can stop this is to offer help defense from the wing when Sabonis receives the ball. Roberson or Richardson are going to need to crash down and swipe the ball away quickly before Sabonis can get to the hoop. They need to force Sabonis into mistakes and get inside his head by playing him with tenacity and aggression the second he touches the ball.

Aside from just the low post, Syracuse basketball needs to guard the free throw line as well. We’re going to need Gbinije and Cooney to really step up and play some of their most oppressive defense of the season on the perimeter.

Basically, they need to completely deny that foul line pass at all times. If Gonzaga can get it at the free throw line, they have way too many options to beat us. They can kick out for a corner 3, drive to the hoop, pass along the baseline, or play a high low game. It’s just not a good situation for the Orange and we need to be pre-emptive about it instead of reactive.

Next: Get the Big Fella Involved