Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAggressive Vermont defense forces 24 Orange turnovers
By Tim Gorman
Posted: 3/22/05, 12:30 AM EST Section: Sports
WORCESTER, Mass. - Syracuse was used to tough defenses. It had played big, physical teams like Connecticut and Pittsburgh. It had seen the athleticism of Oklahoma State. But nothing could prepare the Orange for the high-pressured defense it faced Friday from Vermont.
The Catamounts caused the Orange to turn the ball over a season-high 24 times in a 60-57 win over Syracuse at the DCU Centrum on Friday. Vermont wasn't more athletic or any faster, it simply never let the Orange get comfortable in its offense, constantly pestering SU as it came over halfcourt.
"Both teams played tremendous defense and it was a hard-fought battle," SU head coach Jim Boeheim said. "We had too many turnovers for an NCAA Tournament game in order to close the game."
UVM forward Germain Mopa Njila had four steals while Taylor Coppenrath grabbed three. The Catamounts also forced the officials to whistle SU for several held ball instances, resulting in jump balls.
The Orange also made its share of mistakes, none bigger than a Gerry McNamara turnover with 23 second remaining in overtime as he came across halfcourt and lost the ball, resulting in a backcourt violation.
"They did a good job on defense," Boeheim said. "Against UConn, one of the best defensive teams in the country, we only had six turnovers, but there's no question the Vermont defense should get a lot of credit, but we made too many mistakes."
3-point woes
Syracuse guard Gerry McNamara failed to get in a rhythm against the Catamounts, shooting 1 for 7 from the 3-point line and 4 for 18 overall.
McNamara finished with 11 points and three assists. It was the lowest point total for McNamara in seven games. He did not make a 3-pointer until the 5:48 mark of the second half.
"It was disappointing and frustrating," McNamara said.
The Catamounts T.J. Sorrentine proved to be a tough defensive counterpart, constantly pressuring McNamara into off-balance shots and runners in the lane.
The Catamounts caused the Orange to turn the ball over a season-high 24 times in a 60-57 win over Syracuse at the DCU Centrum on Friday. Vermont wasn't more athletic or any faster, it simply never let the Orange get comfortable in its offense, constantly pestering SU as it came over halfcourt.
"Both teams played tremendous defense and it was a hard-fought battle," SU head coach Jim Boeheim said. "We had too many turnovers for an NCAA Tournament game in order to close the game."
UVM forward Germain Mopa Njila had four steals while Taylor Coppenrath grabbed three. The Catamounts also forced the officials to whistle SU for several held ball instances, resulting in jump balls.
The Orange also made its share of mistakes, none bigger than a Gerry McNamara turnover with 23 second remaining in overtime as he came across halfcourt and lost the ball, resulting in a backcourt violation.
"They did a good job on defense," Boeheim said. "Against UConn, one of the best defensive teams in the country, we only had six turnovers, but there's no question the Vermont defense should get a lot of credit, but we made too many mistakes."
3-point woes
Syracuse guard Gerry McNamara failed to get in a rhythm against the Catamounts, shooting 1 for 7 from the 3-point line and 4 for 18 overall.
McNamara finished with 11 points and three assists. It was the lowest point total for McNamara in seven games. He did not make a 3-pointer until the 5:48 mark of the second half.
"It was disappointing and frustrating," McNamara said.
The Catamounts T.J. Sorrentine proved to be a tough defensive counterpart, constantly pressuring McNamara into off-balance shots and runners in the lane.
