Observations from SU’s Defeat to Saint Joseph’s: Underwhelming Offensive Rebounding, Brugler’s Takeover

Slow Start Dooms Orange

Syracuse started the game 1-of-11 from the field and 0-of-5 from three. They finished the half shooting 34.5% from the field and 20% from three. The Orange were outrebounded 22-14 in the first half, including 7-2 on the offensive glass. Saint Joseph’s took a 10-point lead into the break.

Brugler Takes Over

Joe Girard led the Orange with 17 points, but he was just 6-of-18 from the field. Jesse Edwards scored 12 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked three shots. Judah Mintz added 11 points and seven assists. Justin Taylor led the Hawks with 18 points. Taylor was 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from three.

Syracuse cut the lead to five points with 12 minutes remaining, but Saint Joseph’s answered with a 7-0 run to push the lead back to 12. The Orange never got closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Offensive Rebounding Struggles

The Orange were outrebounded 40-28 overall and 14-7 on the offensive glass. This is a major concern for Syracuse, as they have been one of the worst offensive rebounding teams in the country this season.

The Orange are now 16-11 overall and 7-8 in the ACC. They will return to action on Saturday when they host NC State.

Brugler’s Emergence

After struggling to find his shot early in the season, Benny Williams has emerged as a key player for the Orange. He scored 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting against Saint Joseph’s. He also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out three assists.

Williams is averaging 12.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over his last five games. He is shooting 53.8% from the field and 40% from three during that stretch.

The Orange will need Williams to continue to play well if they want to make a run in the ACC Tournament.

Looking Ahead

The Orange have a tough schedule down the stretch. They play NC State, Duke, and Pittsburgh before finishing the regular season with a home game against Boston College.

Syracuse will need to play well in these games if they want to finish in the top four of the ACC and earn a double-bye in the ACC Tournament.