Syracuse basketball (4-4, 0-1) began ACC play by traveling to face Notre Dame (5-5, 1-0). The Orange were coming off a 26-point loss to Tennessee and continued to struggle offensively. Syracuse failed to make a three-pointer throughout the game, shooting 0-for-9 from beyond the arc. They were outscored by 24 points from three-point range. This marked the first time since 2014 that Syracuse had gone an entire game without a made three-pointer.
Photo Cred: MSN
The Orange were once again without junior guard JJ Starling, who is expected to be sidelined indefinitely due to a broken wrist. Starling, who averages 19.8 points per game, was sorely missed. SU needed its experienced players to step up, but it was freshman Donnie Freeman who took the lead, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Junior Chris Bell, expected to be a breakout player this season, struggled again, scoring just 4 points and making only 1 field goal. Last season, Bell averaged 12 points per game and shot 42% from three, but through eight games this season, he is averaging just 6.6 points per game on 34% shooting from three. As the team’s best shooter, Bell’s struggles were especially costly, particularly when the team failed to make a single three-pointer throughout the game.
Photo Cred: MSN
After the loss, the Orange head coach Adrian Autry discussed the team’s approach moving forward and the future of its minute rotation.
“This team is still without JJ, we’re not shooting the ball well, we just have to adjust and go game by game. See if someone is making shots or giving some type of lift,” Autry said.
He suggested that lineups would continue to be adjusted each game depending on who is performing well. However, the constant changes to the rotation and inconsistent minutes are likely causing players to struggle in unfamiliar roles. To turn the season around, I believe Autry needs to establish a more consistent rotation, allowing players to settle into their roles and gain confidence.
