The Syracuse Orange used a strong second half to top LSU, SU’s first Power 6 win of the season.
Syracuse won their ACC-SEC Challenge matchup, 80-57, a small, but important resume boost after missing two opportunities in the Maui Invitational.
Judah Mintz led the Orange with 33 points, 13 of them coming from the free-throw line. Mintz also added 4 assists and had the highlight play of the night, a fastbreak dunk and poster. He was helped by Chris Bell, who had 20 points on 6-of-10 three-point shooting. 17 of Bell’s 20 came in the second half.
“I don’t think there’s such thing as a bad shot, depending on who you are,” said Bell.
No other Syracuse Orange players scored in double figures, but Justin Taylor led the team with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Takeaway #1: Judah Mintz is the best Syracuse guard since Dion Waiters
It’s no secret Judah Mintz is talented, but I’m going to make a bold statement that Mintz is in a special category. He’s an elite college basketball guard with NBA potential as a sophomore. We haven’t seen that on The Hill in quite some time.
“The way he’s able to score the ball, get down into the lane, make plays is special,” said Taylor.
This isn’t meant to diminish some other great Syracuse Orange guards. Tyus Battle, Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, Malachi Richardson, Michael Gbinije, Brandon Triche, Buddy Boeheim, and Trevor Cooney were all talented players that Syracuse fans will remember for a long time. I’m sure I’m forgetting some others too. The Orange standard at guard is that high.
But what Judah Mintz is doing – and did against LSU on Tuesday night – is stardom. Mintz’s ability to draw fouls is second to none. He made the Tigers pay even more, knocking down 13-of-15 free throws. Mintz hit both of his three-point attempts, arguably the biggest improvement in his game from last year. The 6-4 guard grabbed 5 rebounds, got teammates involved with 4 assists, and had 2 steals.
“Just making the right play,” said Mintz, “me scoring is never the wrong play, I feel like.”
Cold.
Takeaway #2: LSU got three-happy and it cost them
For a while, this game was close. The Tigers only trailed by 5 points and halftime and were making life difficult for the Orange underneath.
But when the threes weren’t falling, why continue to take them?
LSU attempted and missed six threes in the first nine minutes of the second half. The Orange were able to extend the lead from 5 to 21. LSU never really made a strong run to get back into the game, but you have to think the poor shooting from deep didn’t help their case much.
On the season, the Tigers are a below-average shooting team, hitting 32% of their shots. Will Baker, Tyrell Ward, and Derek Fountain are usually reliable, so you can’t totally fault Baker for a 0-for-2 night or Ward for a 1-for-4 night. Everyone is allowed some off nights. Jordan Wright, who went 1-for-9, was making almost 35% of his threes going in, which also doesn’t deserve a finger point.
However, when shots aren’t falling, you need to give it up and attack the bucket. Not only can that get you to the free throw line and develop a rhythm, but it can open up shots behind the arc as the defense packs it inside.
Takeaway #3: The Syracuse bench has an infectious energy
The Syracuse Orange have a deep team and they also have a very fun team to watch. Whether it’s Maliq Brown’s ability to crash the glass for putback dunks, or Quadir Copeland, who practically plays like a Harlem Globetrotter, the SU bench can change the game.
That’s a great quality to have, especially on a team with two – maybe 3 – legitimate three-point shooters.
Going forward, Brown and Copeland will have to set the tone. Once Benny Williams gets into full basketball shape, he can also be a critical piece of the second rotation. Having multiple players who keep up the level of intensity for all 40 minutes will help the Syracuse Orange win many games this year.
Next up for Syracuse: at Virginia (Dec. 2 – Noon)
Next up for LSU: vs. SE Louisiana (Dec. 1 – 8 p.m.)