Syracuse basketball played a physical first half against the NC State Wolfpack that saved them when they slowed down in the second half.
After a tough loss at home to the Florida State Seminoles, Syracuse basketball proved that they’re able to bounce back just like they have all season. This win cements the fact that the Orange haven’t had more than a two game losing streak all season.
“I’ve mentioned it to them (the team) that they’ve been resilient, they’ve been able to bounce back every time we face a little adversity,” said head coach Adrian Autry postgame.
There were lows throughout the game where it seemed that NC State could easily make a comeback, but the Orange were able to pull themselves out and hold their ground.
Takeaway #1: Benny Williams is finding his place
Earlier this season, no one faced as much adversity as Williams had. Being suspended for a while, not getting a ton of playing time and not hitting shots can take a lot out of a player.
Williams says that his dad is the person who has kept his spirits high regardless of the situation.
“My dad texts me the same thing before every game. He tells me to play free, keep my composure and just have fun,” said Williams.
Williams certainly had some fun in the win over NC State. He totaled 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the win. Some of those points came from a few great dunks that put the fans on their feet.
Autry said that he also felt Williams played a nice game.
“I thought Benny was really good. He was very active,” said Autry.
With the season dwindling down, it’s big for players like Williams to find ways to impact the game and continue to grow into March.
Takeaway #2: J.J. Starling is still on a hot streak
Starling has been an integral player for the Orange this season, but we’ve really begun to see him improve in these last few games. Saturday night was no exception.
Starling scored a career high of 26 points and tallied 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Most might think this stat line is impressive, but Starling says he’s still wanting more for himself.
“I know I can’t be satisfied with this. Obviously scoring 26 (points) is nice and I’m going to celebrate this with my family and friends, but I know there’s still some work to do,” said Starling.
Starling celebrated his performance on the court as well, going into almost every timeout with a smile plastered across his face. He says that attitude is what helps him.
“I learn throughout time, once I play with an infectious smile, it translates in my game. I’m more confident, I’m playing more freely so I’m trying to make sure I have a smile on my face whether the game is going right or wrong,” said Starling, with yet another smile.
Syracuse basketball fans will be wanting more smiles from Starling if it means he’ll put on a show like he did against the Wolfpack.
Takeaway #3: Chris Bell served as the spark plug
Early in the first half, the Orange fell into lull where shots weren’t falling. Coach Autry called a timeout and most players were visibly frustrated with their performance. Going back onto the court, it was the shooting of Chris Bell that gave his team and fans a burst of excitement.
“He said to lock in and stop playing around in that timeout. That helped out a lot,” said Bell.
Bell went onto score two back-to-back threes out of that timeout, one costing him a technical foul for getting a little too excited.
Autry mentioned postgame that the timing of Bell’s shooting was very important to their victory.
“Chris Bell had a really really good impact on the game,” said Autry.
Bell was 50% from behind the arc; a huge improvement from the last game where seemingly no one could make a three. More points from Bell will be important throughout the rest of the season when others are having a hard time getting shots to fall.
Next up for NC State: vs. Miami (FL) (Tues., Jan. 30 – 9 p.m.)
Next up for Syracuse: at Boston College (Tues., Jan. 30 – 7 p.m.)