After a sloppy loss to Virginia on Saturday, Syracuse men’s basketball returns to the Dome to face the Hoos’ in-state rival - Virginia Tech - on Wednesday.
In SU’s 73-66 loss to No. 11 UVA on Saturday, the Orange struggled towards the beginning of each half. In the first half, the Hoos opened up the game with a 11-2 run, then outscored the Cuse 11-0 to start half number 2. Syracuse mounted a comeback attempt late, but it was too little too late.
LISTEN: Just as Virginia appeared well on its way toward a blowout victory, Syracuse woke up. Joe Girard ignited the SU offense with a three. @johnnygwitz had the call.
— WAER Sports (@WAERSports) January 7, 2023
🎙️@waer883, https://t.co/BG0Q3sGq3P pic.twitter.com/Rz6gOhwuDo
One player Syracuse needs to see a better performance out of on Wednesday is center Jesse Edwards. Against the Cavaliers, the Dutchman recorded a measly four points. Additionally, SU’s big man hasn’t scored over 12 points in his last six games.
Head coach Jim Boeheim said that Edwards' game has changed significantly in comparison to earlier games this season.
“[Jesse]’s not playing the way he was earlier in the year,” Boeheim said. “He’s getting pushed out and not getting to the basket.”
It could be a challenge for the senior to bounce back on Wednesday. Virginia Tech enters this contest 11-5 with the ACC’s third best scoring defense.
Despite the strong defense, the Hokies enter this contest on a four game skid. Virginia Tech started the season 11-1 with its only loss to now-No. 22 Charleston, then lost four straight contests - all of which to ACC opponents. Those losses have placed VA Tech at 1-4 in conference play.
Boeheim said after the Virginia game that he believes his players, particularly the younger players, will use that game as a learning experience for Wednesday’s game.
“[The young players] are getting better, and this team is getting better,” Boeheim said.