Home Games: Syracuse, NC ST, Pitt
Away Games: Miami, ND, Syracuse
i wish we had Syracuse a month ago when we were more healthy and Syracuse was playing like crap. But they don't scare me like in previous years, largely because their defense is not as good as it has been. They have been winning games more by outscoring teams than by stopping them. GT has not done too bad against teams that are strong offensively, but not so much defensively.
That said, I sort of like our chances against ND the best. They are the best team of the 3 road games we have, but i think we match up well against them and it just seems like every game against ND ends up being a 1-2 possession type game even in South Bend.
The syracuse 2fer is sort of interesting because they are basically in almost the exact same spot on the bubble. if either team sweeps those 2 I think they get in at the expense of the other team.
You don't have to beat Syracuse by hitting threes - that's actually a misconception, and one Syracuse would like you to believe. IMO the Syracuse game largely comes down to is Lammers hitting his mid range jumper. If he is then he causes all sorts of problems for the 2-3 zone as that would force them to have to come and guard him either with a baseline player -which opens up backdoor cuts, or with a perimeter defender, which opens up cuts right down the lane. if you get caught falling in love with the 3-pter you will likely lose as that is what syracuse wants you to do. What you want to do if force them to guard the FT line extended (which means having someone there who can consistently hit that jumper) which opens up multiple lanes for cutting to the basket.
I still think nothing has really changed - this week basically left us right where we were last Sunday - probably one of the first four out. Win both this week and you are looking pretty good, lose both and it looks really bleak, split and you are likely still first four out.
I'm worried about Q. Based on the post game it sounds like his ankle was a reinjury from the one he had against ND. Likely will have to play as much as he is able on that ankle the rest of the year. I doubt it will really heal until after the season. I think we will continue to see alot of small ball the rest of the year as we simply don't have the depth to do anything else.
We are likely going to need TJ to be consistently good the rest of the season to have any shot.