Four Takeaways from Syracuse’s 101-90 loss to Florida State

The Syracuse Orange fell to 12-6 overall and 1-4 in the conference as it lost on the road to Florida State in double overtime today. There were some positive signs but by and large Syracuse’s youth and depth — or lack thereof — shined through in this contest. If it weren’t time to sound the alarm before, the time might be nigh.

Now, there is still plenty of basketball to be played and Syracuse has a winnable stretch of games in the pipeline, but the clock is ticking on the Orange to earn marquee wins, particularly on the road. Syracuse has some work to do if it wants to prove to the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee it deserves an at-large bid. The Orange can’t afford to squander opportunities like it had today, especially as teams have their best players out.

Nonetheless, I digress. See takeaways from today’s game below.

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Tough sledding in the ACC

Foul calls shouldn’t be expected much going forward. There’s plenty of contact on almost every play, but if we’ve learned anything thus far it’s that the ACC is a physical league. Expect foul calls to be few and far between. Syracuse is just going to have to play through those types of things without getting frustrated.

Big Minutes from Howard Washington

The frosh played arguably his best game in a Syracuse uniform and got things going in the first half with a three, steal and assist to Oshae Brissett for a three of his own. He made a few mistakes in between, but Washington finished his night with 9 points and 3 rebounds. As depth and foul trouble become and issue, Syracuse could really use the production of its backup point.

Battle has career night

Tyus Battle got off a rough start but turned things around in the second half. The sophomore was instrumental in Syracuse’s early run to start the second and helped the Orange get back into the game right away.

With Frank Howard fouling out with over four minutes to go in regulation, Tyus called his own number and delivered. He hit the game-tying three the force overtime and would continue his scoring spree. Ultimately, not even 37 points wasn’t enough from Battle as the scoring burden proved to be too much to shoulder alone.

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Lack of depth shows, growing pains continue

We knew coming into the season that Syracuse was a young team and now depth has become a factor lately. With three Syracuse starters fouling out, this game became a war of attrition and Syracuse was forced to go further down its bench. Braedon Bayer, who was a walk-on up until Geno Thorpe left the team, saw minutes in the second overtime (and almost came up with a charge! Heady play).

Depth and inexperience are an issue going forward, and I’m not sure Syracuse can grow up at a quicker rate than it already can. There is no substitute for experience and Syracuse had some costly turnovers late. There were some good lessons to take away from this loss, but the clock is ticking on grabbing marquee wins as the losses pile up.