Texas OVER Syracuse

What makes for great boxing matchs is a contrast of styles like Ali-Frazier. In this Final Four finale we have an outstanding contrast of styles. The Orangemen playing their patented 2-3 zone against a powerful and quick Longhorns team.

The 'Cuse play this particular type of defense better then maybe then anyone ever has because of their tall and quick guards and forwards. They can reach anyone who passively plays pass-catch-react. The key to breaking any 2-3 zone is going into the heart. We believe Coach Barnes with a week to prepare can do just that. You start to attack this zone two different ways. First, T.J. Ford is the fastest player in D-1 to receive a pass and move up the floor. His early penetration sets up either fastbreak baskets or potentially a lethal secondary break with the Texas trio of solid trey shooters in Mouton, Ivey and Boddiker. The next best way is dribble penetration by Ford in an overload situation which allows Thomas to dunk off baseline movement or kick-out passes to the aforementioned Texas trio. Ball fakes and quick side-to side skip passes out of an overload situation can discourage a young team rather quickly in a big game situation.

The Longhorns must wrap up Mello Carmelo, to stop the Orange on offense. As Bill Rafftery mentioned last Sunday, Carmelo as a tendency to start outside and work inside as the game progresses. His most efficient games are when he works the other way. What we anticipate Texas to do is double Carmelo in the low post (NBA style) and force him to look cross court for open shooters. We believe the Longhorns will be looking for those type of passes to create fast-break steal opportunities for themselves.

Saying all these positives might leave you to believe that Coach Boeheim is some sort of dolt. Quite the contrary Stat-Foxers, C. Boeheim is one of our favorite coaches because of his honesty and his adaptability to the modern game. We just believe the Texas has the ability to wear down the zone and provide pointspread players with a victory.

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GOOD LUCK,

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