Syracuse men’s basketball played from behind all game in a 85-76 loss to Miami

Syracuse men’s basketball (12-8, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) could not find any momentum in a 85-76 loss to Miami (16-3, 5-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). It was the first time this season the Orange failed to lead at any point of the game.

SU’s defense failed to shut down Miami in the early stages of the game. The Hurricanes destroyed the Orange’s man-to-man defense, starting the game going 7-for-10 and scored the first nine points of the contest. The Canes outscored the Orange 12-2 in the paint and held a 20-10 advantage before SU head coach Adrain Autry switched to zone. After the game coach Autry preached that he has to figure out a plan to implement resilience across his team.

“I have to find a way to get our guys to understand the consistency and the tough stuff. Toughness, second chance points, rebounding, I thought that was the biggest difference,” Autry said.

From slow starts, to rebounding, and in-game adjustments Syracuse has been plagued by its inability to battle with ACC teams. Miami had full-control of the glass all game. The Hurricanes outrebounded the Orange 37-21 and hauled in eight offensive rebounds. Miami’s leading scorer, forward Malik Reneau, grabbed eleven rebounds, more than double of any SU player. In addition to attacking the glass, Reneau led the game with 20 points, shooting over 65 percent from the field.

The once top-ranked defense to start the season is anything but that for Syracuse right now. SU conceded 85 points, it was the sixth straight game the Orange failed to hold an opponent under 70 points. After the game, SU center William Kyle was very blunt with the team’s defensive effort. “You can’t give up 85. I mean it’s horrible,” Kyle said. “You can’t give up 85 at home, you know what I mean? It’s just a pride thing.

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So where does Syracuse go from here? It is safe to say this is one of the lowest points of the season for Coach Adrian Autry’s squad. The Orange have dropped three straight games for the second time this season, the first was in Las Vegas against No. 3 Houston, Kansas, and No. 15 Iowa State.

It is evident that SU has lost its identity and the fear of missing the tournament for the fifth straight year is only growing every game. However, one bright spot to take away from the defeat was the improved play from Nait George. The guard totaled 13 points, it was the first time in five games he eclipsed double digits. The junior was also effective in different parts of the game as well. George led the team in assists (5), steals (3), and brought in four rebounds. If Syracuse has any hope of turning the page and recovering this season, it starts with the point guard.

Syracuse turns the page and attempts to get back to its winning ways in the final eleven games of the regular season. However, the competition and heat only gets hotter. Syracuse currently ranks 77th in the NET rankings, and are 1-3 in quad 1 matchups with the sole win against No. 13 Tennessee. However, SU has seven quad 1 games in front of them with the first against N.C State on Tuesday. In the first year under head coach Will Wade, the Wolfpack are 14-6 and tied for third in the ACC rankings. The Orange have an opportunity to pick up a much needed quad 1 win or the pressure surrounding making the tournament and Coach Autry’s future will only rise.

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Syracuse and NC State are scheduled to tip off on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Join us for all our coverage with McClurg Remodeling Countdown to Tipoff at 6:30 p.m. right here on WAER