Syracuse Basketball: Four takeaways from SU's bounceback win over BU

It took a little effort, but the Syracuse Orange pulled away in the second half, leading to a 99-77 victory over the Boston University Terriers.

A slow start in the first half was altered once John Gillon got going from three. Gillon and freshman big-man Taurean Thompson combined for 45 points off the bench, propelling the Orange to a much needed bounce back win.

Lydon looks good in the high post

The Orange won’t face much zone verse tough competition this year, but as the look of it today, they may have an answer if they do find themselves battling against the zone. Everyone knows Tyler Lydon has been struggling all year long, but against the zone today he looked as comfortable as ever playing in the high post.

Lydon got countless opportunities to catch and face the rim, leading to easy shots for himself and his teammates all day long. By hitting a few midrange jumpers, Lydon started to find himself open for three more often than before. He struggled to hit them once again, but once his lost three-point touch is found, the Orange will have an answer against any zone they face.

John Gillon will help…when he wants too

John Gillon has gone surprisingly quiet in the past two games, failing to score in either of the two contests. Gillon can do everything on offense, from scoring on his own to finding his teammates in transition—it’s just a matter of how involved he wants to be.

He has more talent around him than he has ever had before, so maybe the fewer opportunities have caused this “slump” for Gillon. However, the six-foot guard needs to know how crucial he is to this team’s success. If they can get performances like today’s, 23 points, then the Orange will have no trouble subbing out one their stud point guards for the other.

A lack of defensive effort has forced Boeheim to begin formulating his rotation

Everyone knows Boeheim doesn’t mind using a small rotation, but with a deep roster like this year’s team, there were thoughts of him going maybe nine deep. With today’s mediocre showing, headlined with a lack of effort and movement on defense, Boeheim won’t accept any more excuses or lapses from his team.

Tyler Roberson has struggled in the last few games, and despite his seniority, his time on the floor has been diminished. Taurean Thompson and Paschal Chukwu both entered the game before the Senior forward, showing Roberson he needs to perform to get minutes. Obviously this team has been underperforming, and for Boeheim to get what he wants he’s going to have to create some hard feelings with a few of his experienced players.

Taurean Thompson has arrived

Anyone who has watched freshman Taurean Thompson play this year knows he is as skilled as it gets on the offensive end of the court. He struggles to say the least on defense, but his ability to beat defenders off the dribble while also nailing jump shots have allowed him to keep a spot in the rotation.

Thompson blew up in the second half, finishing with 22 points and seven rebounds. He used his ability to stretch the floor, all the way to the three-point line, to dominate the Boston University defense. His touch around the rim was superb today, and even though it was against the now 4-6 Terriers, Orange fans should be excited for what’s to come for their freshman big-man.