We've come to know Notre Dame for one very specific reason over the years. Three-point shooting. Seems like every year they end up giving us fits. This time, however, it was a move to prevent the Irish inside game that ended up paying dividends in a 70-38 win in the Dome.
With the Orange holding onto a 46-44 lead midway through the second half, Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim took out freshman center Baye Moussa Keita, sending sophomore forward James Southerland into the game and moving Rick Jackson from forward to center.
With Jackson, a 6-9, 240-pound senior, blocking shots and shutting down Notre Dame’s inside offense, the rest of the Orange began prowling the perimeter to contest shots and zipping into the passing lanes for steals.
Syracuse went on a 19-3 run, staking itself to a 63-47 lead with just over six minutes left in the game. Notre Dame committed five turnovers in the rally, while Jackson finished the game with six blocked shots to go along with his 12 points.
While Jackson had a huge effect on the outcome, the statistical breakdown was spread through the entire team in victory.
Kris Joseph ended with 18 points and eight rebounds and sparked Syracuse's game-altering run in the second half, as the fifth-ranked Orange got by No. 15 Notre Dame, 70-58, in a Big East battle.
Scoop Jardine provided 15 points and nine assists for Syracuse, which moved to 15-0 for the third time under head coach Jim Boeheim. Rick Jackson and James Southerland each netted 12 points in the win, the Orange's second in conference play.
Southerland's 12 points was yet another in a recent string of quality performances by the young player. His place in the rotation now seems secure. His improved shooting percentage has a lot to do with it.
After starting the season 4-for-20 from beyond the arc, Southerland has connected on 11 of the last 21 shots he’s taken from 3-point range. That’s 52 percent.
"It’s just getting into more of a flow," Southerland said. "We’re a couple of games in and I’m just coming in ready to shoot. That’s my mindset. Just staying focused and always making sure I get my shots."
Dion Waiters didn't put a lot of points on the board, but his efforts during SU's second-half run were appreciated in other ways.
Waiters was on the court for most of Syracuse’s game-clinching 19-to-3 run in the second half of Saturday’s game. Primarily, he worked hard on the defensive end, picking up two steals and three defensive rebounds. He also had two assists and no turnovers.
"That’s what we need from him,’’ SU guard Scoop Jardine said. "His energy, his creativity, his aggressiveness. That’s how he’s got to play for us all year; whether he plays 25 minutes or 10 minutes, that’s how he’s got to play all year.’’
C.J. Fair saw only a few minutes of action but Jim Boeheim thinks the freshman will be in much better gameshape by the time the Orange play next.
The future of the Syracuse roster was also on hand to watch the win. Rakeem Christmas, Michael Carter-Williams, and Trevor Cooney were in the Dome. Also in the building was local recruit DaJuan Coleman, who is considering SU along with a few other schools.
- Southerland continues strong play, keys crucial Orange run in win over Notre Dame...Daily Orange
- 15-0...OrangeHoops
- Joseph’s 18 leads Syracuse past Notre Dame...The Juice
- Syracuse - Notre Dame - 5 Observations...Three Idiots on Sports
- Syracuse Second-Half Surge Downs Notre Dame, 70-58...SB Nation NY
- Syracuse's Scoop Jardine a difference-maker against Irish...UticaOD.com
I'm just glad everyone had a good time at the "Career Dome"
I hate each and every one of you.