January 29, 2006
pirate invasion
The Orange finally return home from what seemed like a year-long road trip today, only to face a Seton Hall team that may have just discovered their identity. After struggling to a 2-3 start in the Big East and finding ways to lose against Richmond and Northwestern during the non-conference schedule, Seton Hall surprised everyone by beating #14 NC State on Wednesday, 83-65 in Raleigh. Just what Syracuse needs, right? An up and coming team looking to rebound in the Big East with back-to-back wins over ranked opponents.
In the game against the Wolfpack, the Pirates (ARRRRR!) never let up. Using their inside-outside combo of seniors Kelly Whitney and Donald Copeland, the Hall racked up the points and never looked back. Copeland, who spent his entire career coming off the bench behind Andre Barrett and Justin Cerasoli before starting the final 7 games of last season and every game this year, is having a breakout season in handling the bulk of the offensive responsibilities for Louie Orr's club. Copeland's been overlooked by many in the Big East thus far, although he's been productive in nearly every guard-realted statistical category. By averaging over 15 points (13th), 4 assists (11th), 1.5 steals (19th) and nearly 3 rebounds per game (less than Gerry, more than Devo), Copeland provides Seton Hall with a reliable floor leader who is capable of making a big play when necessary (he also hits for almost 38% from three). Combine him with Whitney, their best player, and Seton Hall could be very dangerous.
Considering the recent display of defensive prowess by Stonehands and Roberts, I'm venturing a guess that Kelly Whitney (14.5 pts, 7.5 reb, 1 blk per game this season) will have a big day today in the Dome. In 4 games against SU over his career, Whitney's averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, though the Orange still lead the three-year series 3-1. Syracuse needs to find a way to slow the 6'8" 240-pound big man today, or we're in for a long afternoon. Watkins must keep his fists to himself and Roberts or Nichols need to provide quality help when Whitney gets the ball inside or he'll end up with 25 and 15. Copeland might be the Pirate Playmaker, (ARRRR!) but Whitney has the ability to beat Syracuse at their weakest point.
As Jimmy B. says, the fate of this team's Big East record depends on the play of the postmen. Expect Coach Orr to have his players pound the ball inside, knowing that his team will have a good chance to win if they put the Cuse in foul trouble early. On the other side of the ball, though, look for SU to regain their stroke and put up a lot of points on the smaller Pirate (ARRRR!) lineup.
Hopefully, Nichols will finally bust out of his recent slump (11.5 pts/game vs Nova and Pitt) and drop 16-20 with 6'5" Brian Lang marking him. Even though Whitney's pretty imposing against the hack-happy Orange frontcourt and Seton Hall has more momentum, I think Syracuse will be the superior team today. If I'm right, the losing streak is finally over and the Dome crowd will go home happy with a familiar decision to make: should I get the wiper fluid or grab a taco?
In the game against the Wolfpack, the Pirates (ARRRRR!) never let up. Using their inside-outside combo of seniors Kelly Whitney and Donald Copeland, the Hall racked up the points and never looked back. Copeland, who spent his entire career coming off the bench behind Andre Barrett and Justin Cerasoli before starting the final 7 games of last season and every game this year, is having a breakout season in handling the bulk of the offensive responsibilities for Louie Orr's club. Copeland's been overlooked by many in the Big East thus far, although he's been productive in nearly every guard-realted statistical category. By averaging over 15 points (13th), 4 assists (11th), 1.5 steals (19th) and nearly 3 rebounds per game (less than Gerry, more than Devo), Copeland provides Seton Hall with a reliable floor leader who is capable of making a big play when necessary (he also hits for almost 38% from three). Combine him with Whitney, their best player, and Seton Hall could be very dangerous.Considering the recent display of defensive prowess by Stonehands and Roberts, I'm venturing a guess that Kelly Whitney (14.5 pts, 7.5 reb, 1 blk per game this season) will have a big day today in the Dome. In 4 games against SU over his career, Whitney's averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, though the Orange still lead the three-year series 3-1. Syracuse needs to find a way to slow the 6'8" 240-pound big man today, or we're in for a long afternoon. Watkins must keep his fists to himself and Roberts or Nichols need to provide quality help when Whitney gets the ball inside or he'll end up with 25 and 15. Copeland might be the Pirate Playmaker, (ARRRR!) but Whitney has the ability to beat Syracuse at their weakest point.
As Jimmy B. says, the fate of this team's Big East record depends on the play of the postmen. Expect Coach Orr to have his players pound the ball inside, knowing that his team will have a good chance to win if they put the Cuse in foul trouble early. On the other side of the ball, though, look for SU to regain their stroke and put up a lot of points on the smaller Pirate (ARRRR!) lineup.
Hopefully, Nichols will finally bust out of his recent slump (11.5 pts/game vs Nova and Pitt) and drop 16-20 with 6'5" Brian Lang marking him. Even though Whitney's pretty imposing against the hack-happy Orange frontcourt and Seton Hall has more momentum, I think Syracuse will be the superior team today. If I'm right, the losing streak is finally over and the Dome crowd will go home happy with a familiar decision to make: should I get the wiper fluid or grab a taco?
