Syracuse basketball shoots at a lights-out clip, opens season with a bang

Prior to his 46th term commencing at the helm of Syracuse basketball, head coach Jim Boeheim recently stated that this season’s roster could prove one of the best perimeter-shooting teams he’s ever had, if not the best ever when all is said and done.

The ‘Cuse, of course, still has a long way to go in its 2021-22 stanza, but if the squad’s season-opening demolition of Patriot League member Lafayette on Tuesday night in Central New York is any indication, the Orange is going to produce a ton of points over the next few months.

Against the Leopards, Syracuse basketball consistently made shots throughout the entire 40 minutes, as the ‘Cuse cruised to a 97-63 triumph over Lafayette before nearly 20,000 fans inside the Carrier Dome.

Speaking of that, I know that we’re still in the middle of a devastating pandemic, but it sure was nice to see Orange fans in the stands to cheer on our beloved ‘Cuse.

Syracuse basketball shot the ball with precision in a romp of Lafayette.

According to statistics provided by Syracuse.com, the Orange hit on about 54 percent from the field as a whole. The ‘Cuse made 13 shots from deep, and it connected on exactly half of its attempts from beyond the arc.

Syracuse basketball also connected on nearly 77 percent from the free-throw line, which is solid. What encouraged me the most is that the Orange was quite efficient from 3-point land, but the team didn’t rely solely on hoisting up shots from deep.

Guys on the Syracuse basketball roster were driving to the hoop and pulling up in the mid-range. I recognize that Lafayette (0-1) isn’t the same kind of foe as the ‘Cuse will face later on this season, but I for one am excited for what the Orange (1-0) did on offense.

Additionally, Syracuse basketball players boasted really nice ball movement on offense, sharing the ball unselfishly and generating a sizable amount of assists on the squad’s made buckets.

Moreover, the ‘Cuse possessed a well-balanced attack, with five guys reaching double-figures. Junior point guard Joe Girard III, who was excellent in the two exhibition wins, netted a team-high 20 points, including a perfect 5-of-5 from long range.

Graduate student forward Jimmy Boeheim, the transfer from Cornell, looked so unbelievably comfortable in the paint. Boeheim, who is left-handed, collected 18 points and was a stellar 8-of-9 from the field, making several baskets with his right hand.

It’s so early in 2021-22, but one has to feel excited about the all-around great performance by Syracuse basketball, which next suits up against Drexel this Sunday, Nov. 14, beginning at 5 pm from the Dome.