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A Last Look At Syracuse

Two games, two classics.

By JD King
Feb 22, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange forward C.J. Fair (5) pulls down a rebound as Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) reaches for the ball at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Feb 22, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange forward C.J. Fair (5) pulls down a rebound as Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) reaches for the ball at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Some final thoughts from the Duke-Syracuse game:
  • Somewhat like coach Jim Boeheim, Syracuse is charisma challenged. We all know the zone and defense; what surprised us is just how conservative the offense is.
  • Also worth noting: Syracuse travels well. There were way more Orange fans in Cameron than we had expected.
  • It didn't occur to us until we were seated and watching the game that someone was coming out with two straight ACC losses. Syracuse, though, will lose three straight if it loses at Maryland Monday night.
  • Although Pitt has disappeared from the Top 25, with UNC's win streak the Heels should be ranked this week.
  • Louisville, soon to join the ACC, is #11/5 in the polls. It's fun to think about ACC basketball next season.
  • Remember Jabari Parker's drive against Michael Gbinije, where Binije ended up charged with a foul? If you can, watch it again. That's an extraordinary play because of how quickly he adjusted the angle of his shot.
  • Rasheed Sulaimon's role in this victory has not been properly appreciated.  Aside from great defense against the Orange backcourt, he made key shots and got the ball to other guys for points seven times, particularly in the second half.
  • Remember the play when Parker ripped down the rebound despite being n a crowd of Syracuse defenders? His defense before the board was tremendous.
  • Whatever you think of the final charge call, the official made it a point to look at Rodney Hood's feet. You can see it on the replay.
  • Near the very end, when Cook is shooting the technicals, Sulaimon and CJ Fair have what looks to be a very friendly word. We'd love to know what was said.

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