UConn - Syracuse

[HardHatGuy#2]

Having carefully watched the Syracuse/Wash game, I see a 25+ point victory for UConn with the gabulous one having a career night...

"Gabulous" should always be capitalized!

 

[Jimbo]

I think one of the biggest keys tonight will be pace. UConn likes to play fast, but a handful of times this season they've been hurried by certain kinds of teams into playing too fast. Syracuse is obviously a team that wants the game played at a frenetic, chaotic pace. With all the pressing and gambling and trapping and stuff that Syracuse likes to do, there should be opportunities for easy shots. If UConn is smart with the ball, remains patient, and doesn't rush things too much, I think they can take advantage of them.

 

[Plebe]

In his press conference, Q talked about the advantage of familiarity with UConn from having played them in the Big East. Just for kicks, I looked up the last time (I believe) these two teams played: in the 2013 Big East tournament. I was particularly curious to see to what extent this year's players participated in that game, which UConn won 64-51.

Syracuse:
B. Butler had 8 points in 34 minutes.
Sykes had 6 points in 26 minutes.
Fondren had 0 points in 14 minutes.

UConn:
Stewie had 14 points in 28 minutes.
Moriah had 3 points in 14 minutes.
Tuck had 0 points in 3 minutes.

UConn led in the game by as much as 18 at the start of the 2nd half, and Syracuse got as close as 9 points midway through the 2nd half.

Having said all that, these two teams are vastly different entities from their iterations of three years ago. I'm not sure anything at all can be made of the somewhat distant memories of their previous matchups.