Zoned out: Syracuse's stifling defense forces Michigan State horror show
If there's one thing that's become a guarantee with Syracuse basketball under Jim Boeheim, it's that the Orange are going to play stifling zone defense and the result isn't going to be pretty.
Boeheim's teams are also known for running a very methodical offense that can often make them a very difficult watch for even the most ardent Orange supporter.
Even though this was well-known heading into Sunday's game against Michigan State, the defensive display that Syracuse turned in was downright astonishing.
The Spartans entered the tournament averaging 81 points per game this season, ranking 36th of 351 teams in the country. Against the swarming defense of the Orange they barely cracked the 50-point mark, falling 55-53 in a sloppy affair.
The shooting numbers put up by Michigan State against the zone are shocking:
| STAT | vs. Syracuse | Season average |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | 53 | 81 |
| Field goal % | 25.8 | 50.5 |
| 3-point FG % | 21.6 | 41 |
| Free throw % | 68.8 | 74.9 |
Despite the visual pain that Syracuse inflicted, Boeheim deserves a ton of credit for realizing that a sloppy contest was the only way the Orange could pull off the upset.
Never known to be an offensive juggernaut, Syracuse's display this season was bad even for their standards. Consider the following:
- Syracuse entered the tournament ranked 315th in the country in points per game, last among all teams in the field of 68.
- Syracuse ranks 319th nationally in field-goal percentage, making just 41.6 percent of their shots, last among all teams in the field of 68.
- Syracuse ranks 321st in the country in 3-point field goal percentage at 32 percent, tied for last in the field of 68.
Facing a high-scoring Michigan State team the features two likely NBA lottery picks in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges, Boeheim knew a strong defensive performance was needed. The Orange focused heavily on those two Spartan stars, holding them to just 13 points combined on 4-of-22 shooting.
For the second time in three tournaments, Boeheim and the Orange are headed to the Sweet 16 as a double-digit seed. Another team loaded with NBA talent awaits in No. 2 Duke, a contest that Syracuse will have to turn ugly in order to have a chance at the upset.
Given Sunday's performance, don't be shocked if it happens.