The Syracuse Orange came out on top of Seattle on Saturday 89-67. At the end of last game, Boeheim announced that the Glenn Falls native, Joe Girard III, would continue to start over sophomore Jalen Carey.
In his first collegiate start, Girard did exactly what the Orange needed him to do, shine. Girard made five shots from beyond the arc and put up 24 points in his first start with the Orange in the first meeting with Seattle.
In his presser, Boeheim was very pleased with Girard’s performance and credited his performance with the experience he had in high school. “I think one of the reasons Joe has an easier adjustment is he had to do everything, every game, for four years,” said Boeheim.
Since only scoring 34 points against Virginia in the first game, the Orange have progressed to a two-game winning streak, but have played weaker teams. On a positive note, Syracuse seems to have a set lineup now with the addition of Girard and exit of Carey.
Girard also played a factor defensively getting five defensive rebounds and two steals. With a solid defensive outing and being the lead scorer for the Orange, Girard has been every bit as advertised to start his collegiate career.
Another freshman that broke out was Quincy Guerrier. After a slow first two game, Guerrier produced with 14 points off of the bench this Saturday. Last season, the Orange seemed to struggle shooting at the charity stripe, but Guerrier made 8 shots from the free throw line. He also had five rebounds and a blocked shot.
The Orange will host Cornell Wednesday inside the Dome as Coach Boeheim will get a look at his other son, Jimmy Boeheim, who plays for the Big Red. Tip off is at 7:30, be sure to tune into WAER at 88.3 FM or waer.org.