Syracuse Struggles with Free Throws Against Monmouth: Solutions Needed
Syracuse faced Monmouth in a tense basketball matchup on Tuesday night, securing a 78-73 victory despite significant struggles at the free throw line. This game revealed ongoing concerns for the Orange’s performance as they nearly succumbed to a late-game comeback by the Hawks.
Syracuse’s Free Throw Challenges
The Syracuse Orange’s free throw shooting has been a significant issue this season. Against Monmouth, the team converted only 57% of their attempts, making 19 of 33 free throws. In the second half, Syracuse’s performance worsened, with just 10 successful shots out of 21 attempts—translating to a mere 47% at the line.
Close Call for the Orange
With just under three minutes remaining in the game, Syracuse held an 11-point lead. However, Monmouth rallied impressively, narrowing the gap to just two points with 30 seconds left. A crucial moment came when Syracuse’s Bryce Zephir missed two free throws with ten seconds on the clock, giving Monmouth a chance to equalize. The Hawks, however, failed to capitalize on this opportunity, missing a critical 3-point shot.
Coaching Insights
After the game, head coach Adrian Autry acknowledged the team’s free throw inefficiencies but emphasized the need for better energy overall. He noted that inconsistent defensive efforts were a significant concern. “I just felt our dips, too many inconsistent defensive efforts,” Autry stated. He expressed hope that the team would improve in the upcoming games.
Historical Context
Currently, Syracuse is shooting just 61.1% from the free throw line, which would represent the team’s lowest percentage in nearly four decades. Historical comparisons reveal the 1987-88 team shot only 60%, while the following season’s squad fared slightly better at 61.2%.
Key Performers
- Donnie Freeman: The sole starter above 70% this season, he excelled at the line, going 12-for-14 against Monmouth.
- Kiyan Anthony: He expressed urgency for improvement in free throw shooting, indicating that successful attempts could dramatically affect game results.
- Naithan George: A consistent free throw shooter in the past, George struggled this season, converting only 4 of 6 attempts so far.
- JJ Starling: Despite his struggles, he has a career free throw percentage of .680, indicating potential for improvement.
Future Prospects
Syracuse must focus on improving free throw shooting as they prepare for challenging opponents in the upcoming Players Era Festival, including tests against Houston and Kansas. Coach Autry remains optimistic that continued practice and focus will yield better results. He is hopeful that the team can learn from their close win over Monmouth and carry that momentum forward.
The Syracuse Orange’s next steps will be crucial in addressing their free throw struggles. Effective training and strategy adjustments will be necessary for success in high-stakes games ahead.
