The Road to Orange is what it takes to win against the Eagles.
Syracuse beat Boston College 73-64 on the road Tuesday night to win its fourth game in a row. Here are five takeaways from the win.
1. Finding a Way to Win
It wasn't the same level of offensive efficiency as we've seen during the first three games of this four-game winning streak. Jesse Edwards scored in just 14 minutes and was fouled. Joe Girard really struggled in the first half. Buddy Boehm was just 2-9 out of three. Syracuse was outbound. Boston College had 40-16 points in Paint Advantage. Despite all this, Syracuse found a way to win. Yeah, Boston College isn't great. But haven't we seen the same Syracuse team lose to Georgetown and Pittsburgh on the road for not playing well? This is a sign in my opinion that this team has turned a corner or is in the process of turning a corner. This exact type of game, where Syracuse didn't play close to its best, was the type it lost in the first season. Look at Georgetown and Pittsburgh as two examples. Playing like this now will not win over Virginia Tech, which is the best three point shooting team in the ACC and has been playing very well lately. But it's still a good win.
2. Frank Anselm
With Jesse Edwards fouled out and not scoring in only 14 minutes, Frank Anselm played 23 minutes, scored a career-high with six rebounds, scored five points and blocked a shot. He gave Orange strong minutes to help make up for what was lost when Edwards was unable to go. He has flashed several times this season and Tuesday night was the latest example. Frank is still just scratching the surface of his potential, but he continues to improve and gives Orange a valuable presence off the bench.
3. A Tale of Two Halfs for Joe Girard
Girard had just two points in the first half and looked useless for the stretch. He played much better in the second half. Girard scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half, finishing with four assists, four rebounds and just two turnovers. When Syracuse needed a big bucket of late, it cooled the game by taking three steps back from the corner. Girard didn't play to the level he had played in the last three games, but still made plays when it mattered.
4. Coal Weeder
Cole Swider continued his hot shooting and led all scorers with 21 points. How good has the swinger been during a four-game winning streak? He is shooting 65.7% from the floor, 73.7% from three point range, while averaging 17 points and six rebounds per game. That was the difference against Boston College. When Buddy was struggling and Jesse couldn't stay on the floor, he fired shots to help Syracuse get some room to breathe. His confidence is also increasing continuously. The hesitation that was there earlier this season has gone away. When he has the urge to open, he takes the shot and is making it at a high level. He has been really good during this winning streak and Syracuse needs him to continue playing this way.
5. Conte Dome
The Conte Forum was changed to the Conte Dome as Syracuse fans turned Boston College's home stadium orange Tuesday night. Syracuse fans usually travel well and this one was no exception. Attendees could see it, home-watchers could hear it when Syracuse would make a positive play. Orange fans are to be congratulated for this.