Syracuse Starts ACC Play with Win Over Notre Dame

By Jackson Ajello

CitrusTV Men’s Basketball Reporter

SOUTH BEND, IN — Jim Boeheim has seen this a lot so far this year. The game tips off and his team quickly falls behind. The calendar changing from 2018 to 2019 didn’t change that fact as Syracuse fell behind early, with the Irish taking an 18-8 lead just 7 minutes into the game. Notre Dame hit seven trifectas in the first half, which gave the Irish this lead.

But in South Bend, the Orange seemed to have a confident way about them. From this point on Syracuse (10-4, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) outscored the Fighting Irish (10-5, 0-2 ACC) by 20 on their way to a 72-62 to start up the new year.

“We said in the huddle, we knew we were not going to lose. Even when they were going on their stretch run making shots, which really kept them in the game,” said sophomore Oshae Brissett. “You know we knew we were not going to lose, we just got to stay level headed, make the right plays, and be smart.”

Throughout the game, Notre Dame dared Syracuse to make shots, which the Orange have struggled with so far this season. Irish Coach Mike Brey implemented a zone at different parts of the game against the ACC’s worst three-point shooting team in Syracuse.

This time around, the narrative changed from behind the arc. Led by Elijah Hughes, the Orange hit a season-high 12 shots from downtown.

“I mean we were in a little slump earlier in the season but we knew it wouldn’t last,” said Tyus Battle. “Going into ACC play we all need to be confident in our shots.”

Syracuse shot 41% from three-point land against Notre Dame. Coming into the game SU was shooting just 29% from beyond the arc.

“We are shooting better,” said Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim. “I think we can shoot it well; I do not think that is something that is not possible.”

The Orange looks to continue to shoot the ball well Wednesday against Clemson. Tip off is set for 8:00 PM as SU hopes to improve to 2-0 in ACC play.

jtajello@syr.edu | @jacksonajello