Have seen the Orange at the Dome a number of times this year, most recently the win over GT last Monday.
SU playing with a lots of confidence right now. They got down by 15 to WV on saturday, on the road, and erased by halftime. Blitzed the Mountaineers in 2nd half.
Boehiem is alternating between the 2-3 and man-to-man defense, some times on every other possession. Keeping teams out of rythem on the offensive end. Also employing pressure full court trap at times , which has helped them raise their intensity when they hit a lull. Beleive me, this is Boeheim best coaching job ever. I don't think he has ever gotten the credit he has deserved but this year he is doing one of the best coaching jobs in country. SU has not been blown out of a game this year. They played Pitt tough in Pitt for 30 minutes but went cold shooting and Pitt got easy baskets off the FC press once SU got down. Other losses were opening day to Memphis and on road to Rutgers. Both game opposition got hot from 3 point land and won close games.
Offensively, SU has struggled at times in BE play, mainly due to inconstent shooting from either Warrick, Duany, or GMac. Addition of Edinelin has been nice. He seems to be getting more comfortable with offense, shoots high percentage shots ( likes to post up smaller guards in man-to-man and is aggressive in going to basket) and has settled down last two games. Pace 's injury will be a non-factor as his minutes had decreased since Edinelin came off suspension. No one in BE has been able to guard Anthony yet. He is very smooth and poised for a freshman. He has the total package. Rebounding well, able to handle the ball and defense has improved steadly. Two headed center McFoust has been consistent, with McNeil becoming one of the best shot blockers in country. Foust can be horrible at times ( worst hands I have ever seen since the days of Andre Hawkins in the 80's) but has the size to be a presense on defensive end even if he can't rebound worth a s**t. (How the hell can you be 7 foot tall and only avg 3.5 rebounds a game)
Boehiem has these kids playing hard and he is pulling all the right strings at this time. Loss by Pitt yesterday should motivate SU as they can tie for division lead. Tough road trip as they have to do 48 hour turnaround from WV.
UCONN will be without PG Brown ( out 4 weeks with broken hand suffered vs. VT), which could cause problems when SU goes FC press. There have also been comments to press about team dissention, most notably Ben Gordon who says players have their own "agenda".
Bottom line is that i am going to take the 3.5. SU has been the more consistent of the two teams, has more weapons, and enjoys a big coaching advantage. Calhoun factor should have worn off and it is not like the responded real well to it to begin with.
SU playing with a lots of confidence right now. They got down by 15 to WV on saturday, on the road, and erased by halftime. Blitzed the Mountaineers in 2nd half.
Boehiem is alternating between the 2-3 and man-to-man defense, some times on every other possession. Keeping teams out of rythem on the offensive end. Also employing pressure full court trap at times , which has helped them raise their intensity when they hit a lull. Beleive me, this is Boeheim best coaching job ever. I don't think he has ever gotten the credit he has deserved but this year he is doing one of the best coaching jobs in country. SU has not been blown out of a game this year. They played Pitt tough in Pitt for 30 minutes but went cold shooting and Pitt got easy baskets off the FC press once SU got down. Other losses were opening day to Memphis and on road to Rutgers. Both game opposition got hot from 3 point land and won close games.
Offensively, SU has struggled at times in BE play, mainly due to inconstent shooting from either Warrick, Duany, or GMac. Addition of Edinelin has been nice. He seems to be getting more comfortable with offense, shoots high percentage shots ( likes to post up smaller guards in man-to-man and is aggressive in going to basket) and has settled down last two games. Pace 's injury will be a non-factor as his minutes had decreased since Edinelin came off suspension. No one in BE has been able to guard Anthony yet. He is very smooth and poised for a freshman. He has the total package. Rebounding well, able to handle the ball and defense has improved steadly. Two headed center McFoust has been consistent, with McNeil becoming one of the best shot blockers in country. Foust can be horrible at times ( worst hands I have ever seen since the days of Andre Hawkins in the 80's) but has the size to be a presense on defensive end even if he can't rebound worth a s**t. (How the hell can you be 7 foot tall and only avg 3.5 rebounds a game)
Boehiem has these kids playing hard and he is pulling all the right strings at this time. Loss by Pitt yesterday should motivate SU as they can tie for division lead. Tough road trip as they have to do 48 hour turnaround from WV.
UCONN will be without PG Brown ( out 4 weeks with broken hand suffered vs. VT), which could cause problems when SU goes FC press. There have also been comments to press about team dissention, most notably Ben Gordon who says players have their own "agenda".
Bottom line is that i am going to take the 3.5. SU has been the more consistent of the two teams, has more weapons, and enjoys a big coaching advantage. Calhoun factor should have worn off and it is not like the responded real well to it to begin with.
