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Syracuse Basketball Advances to Elite 8 to Face Virginia

By Ethan Kimmel

Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) prepares to shoot against Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) and guard Malachi Richardson (23) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) prepares to shoot against Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Roberson (21) and guard Malachi Richardson (23) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Last night, Syracuse basketball played a thrilling game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs and came away with a victory, 63-60.

So now, the Syracuse Orange are one of eight teams remaining in the NCAA Tournament. How does that sound SU fans? Pretty good if you ask me; especially considering the Orange weren’t even expecting to make the tournament just two weeks ago.

Last night’s game against Gonzaga was a signature win for Syracuse basketball. In their 63-60 win against the Bulldogs, the Orange showed why they deserve to be in this spot. Despite scalding hot shooting from Gonzaga throughout most of the game, Syracuse continued to fire back and hit shots of their own.

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Gonzaga shot an impressive 44% from the field, compared to Syracuse basketball’s 36%. However, the keys for the Orange are the stats that are typically overlooked. Syracuse was 14/16 on free throws, compared to Gonzaga’s 4/5. This shows that they were aggressive around the rim and drove to the basket. It’srare that they are able to shoot such a high percentage from the line, but it was a big key to them pulling out the win.

My two favorite stats of the game that I believe were very important were points off turnovers and second chance points. Syracuse had 14 points off turnovers compared to Gonzaga’s nine. They also crushed them on second chance points, 16 to 8. The man responsible for most of that statistic was Tyler Roberson.

Roberson was an absolute monster in the paint last night, wreaking havoc on the Bulldogs. Nine  points and 12 rebounds are fairly standard for Roberson in a big game. But he managed to finish with NINE offensive rebounds. That number right there is the difference between a win and a loss for the Orange. He was able to keep offensive possessions alive, which was crucial because of Gonzaga’s hot shooting.

The other player to take the spotlight last night was Tyler Lydon. No, he didn’t fill up the stat sheet like Trevor Cooney or Malachi Richardson. But his block at the end of regulation is what allowed the Orange to hang on. Up by just one point, the momentum had shifted towards Gonzaga, as they had ample time to score a basket. But on the shot that could have sealed it for the Bulldogs, Lydon stepped up and made the play of the year for the Orange and the second most memorable block in Syracuse basketball history. Bravo.

Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) passes the ball away from Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Kyle Wiltjer (33) passes the ball away from Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Syracuse is the first 10 seed to advance to the Elite Eight since Davidson in 2008. It’s been an incredible run for the Orange and they have no intentions of stopping here. It’s going to be quite the challenge for the Orange, as they take on the #1 ranked Virginia Cavaliers.

Virginia has been terrific all season, ending with a 29-7 record, including 13-5 in the ACC. One of those wins came against Syracuse basketball, who they beat 73-65 in January. Syracuse struggled greatly throughout that game. The only two players to standout were Michael Gbinije and Malachi Richardson.

The cold-blooded killer for the Cavaliers was none other than their star and ACC Player of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon. Against the Orange, Brogdon finished with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and three 3’s. The senior guard is going to run the show for Virginia and Jim Boeheim has to hope that his 2-3 zone defense is enough to stop him.

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Another bright spot for the Cavaliers is Anthony Gill. The senior forward is averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds this season. Look for him to make an impact in this game. Finally, London Perrantes is the Cavaliers’ big 3-point threat. He shoots a net-scorching 48% from behind the arc and hit 4-8 daggers against the Orange last year.

This is going to be another incredibly tough game for Syracuse basketball. Nobody said it was going to be easy, but they live for moments like this. One more win is all it takes for the Orange to advance to the Final Four. To quote the great Herb Brooks, “One game. If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game.”

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