So after the last two games ended in blowouts, I was really hoping that this game would turn out differently. Before the day started this was definitely the only game that had “game of the day” potential. Syracuse is clearly the better team, but there’s something about them that is going to let Seton Hall hang around.
The thing is, Seton Hall really isn’t even playing that well right now. Robert Mitchell is having himself a game right now, but Jeremy Hazell has yet to get anything substantial going. If he can get started, The Hall is going to be difficult to beat in this game.
On the other side, Jonny Flynn blew by someone for his first bucket and then realized, “Shit, nobody can stop me” and basically did what he wanted for the rest of the half. Gonzo is talking to sideline reporter Allen Hopkins (does that guy blink?) and has basically admitted that they can’t stop Flynn. Nice.
Three things I’ve noticed about this game. First, nearly all of Syracuse’s offense has been on the fast break. I think Bill Raftery said they had 14 fast breaks. That’s absurd. Seton Hall’s offense is built on taking these sort of risks, but they are going to have to cut that number down if they want to win.
Second, John Garcia cannot catch the ball on a bounce pass. He had to have dropped at least 5. Awful. And he can’t dunk either. Is he just too heavy in the midsection? Is he hurt? What gives?
And third, Syracuse’s zone is so vulnerable. I finally realized why Villanova owns it. They do a decent job of covering the perimeter. But if you can manage to get past the first two guys, you are almost guaranteed a bucket. The top guards don’t slide down to help and the backline is a bunch of stiffs. Seton Hall figured this out near the end of the half and started to execute.
And that last point is why I like The Hall to keep this close, and maybe even win it. They are going to be able to score. It’s just a question of whether ‘Cuse can keep up their hot shooting in the 2nd half.
March 12, 2009
If you thought the first half was exciting, I hope you watched the second half! Things got real heated, in the span of two possessions there were 4 technicals and an intentional foul, and both teams got into a shoving match. At that point the game was about tied, but from there SU blew them out and dominated the rest of the way.