As we prep for March Madness, we’re taking a closer look at some of the teams that will define whether your bracket booms or busts for you. We’ll be looking at several elements of each team, starting with Syracuse today. See all our Syracuse articles here.
It’s a national championship or bust for Syracuse in the coming NCAA National Tournament after making the Final Four last season. Can this Orange batch deliver Syracuse’ first national title since 2003? Here are three factors that would need to continue to click for their team to throughout the deliver in the Big Dance.
Syracuse Orange’s Keys to Success in the NCAA Tournament
1. Guard Play
Syracuse’s back court tandem of Tyler Ennis and Trevor Cooney is a big reason why the Orange are where they are. Without a doubt, the current face of Syracuse basketball is freshman sensation Tyler Ennis. Ennis filled the big hole left by Michael Carter-Williams, who departed for the NBA last year. Ennis is the current ACC leader in assists and steals with 5.7 APG and 2.0 SPG. Cooney, meanwhile, is a vital cog in the Orange’s offense. He is the team’s second-best scorer, averaging 13.3 PPG.
2. Defense
No Orange team has had success without the use of their patented zone vaunted defense. This season, Syracuse has allowed the fourth-fewest field goals against, averaging 20 a game allowed. Before opponents can put up a shot, they need to go pass well through Syracuse’s precise defence or resort to low-percentage shots. Overall, Syracuse has been limiting opposing teams to a paltry 58.3 PPG, good for seventh-best in the nation.
3. Composure in Close Games
Tyler Ennis’ game-winning three-point heave against Pittsburgh encapsulates the ability of Syracuse to maintain their poise in nerve-wracking situations. Despite being ranked #1 in the AP poll, the Orange are #20 in average scoring margin with a +11.9 mark.
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