Syracuse basketball, unfortunately, has a big-time problem on the boards

It’s no secret that Syracuse basketball has had its fair share of struggles in the rebounding department over the past handful of seasons.

Certainly, utilizing a zone defense can contribute to this, as Orange players are guarding an area, not a specific opposing player. And if the ‘Cuse gets outrebounded by a foe by a couple of boards, that’s no big deal.

But what transpired on Tuesday night in the team’s 67-53 setback to No. 6 Villanova in the Big Apple was really disappointing and frankly, quite concerning.

According to ESPN statistics, the Wildcats (7-2) corralled 57 total rebounds, as compared to 36 for the Orange. What’s more, Villanova secured a ridiculous 27 offensive boards, while the ‘Cuse had just 25 defensive rebounds. I love my boys, but that is abysmal.

Syracuse basketball better find a way to hold its own on the glass.

Heading into this non-conference clash as part of the 2021 Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Villanova ranked in the top-10 nationally in 3-point shooting percentage and 3-point field-goals made per encounter.

And the Orange (5-4, 1-0), to its credit, held the Wildcats to 32.5 percent shooting from the field, as well as 26.0 percent from beyond the arc. That’s pretty good for Syracuse basketball.

In his post-game press conference, head coach Jim Boeheim even noted that the team’s first-line defense was good, but the ‘Cuse gave up so many offensive rebounds that translated into second-chance points.

That, ultimately, sunk Syracuse basketball, which led at the half and held a small advantage for portions of the second half versus Villanova.

What frustrated me the most is that the Orange entered this battle averaging around the same number of rebounds per contest as the Wildcats.

Villanova didn’t have some kind of outlandish size advantage, either. As Boeheim alluded to, the Wildcats players are really quick to the ball, they are physical, and they are strong. And to be fair, when a squad like Villanova misses a lot of 3-pointers, those long rebounds can be more challenging for ‘Cuse players to grab.

I get all of that, but again, Syracuse basketball can ill-afford to lose on the glass by 20-plus rebounds. It’s simply unacceptable. I figured that Villanova, if it prevailed, would have done so by crushing the Orange on the perimeter.

The Wildcats did make some shots from deep, but they also missed a ton of them. Their prowess on the boards is what enabled them to succeed, and I personally didn’t see that coming.