Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMBB | McNamara injury doesn't hinder Orange
By Rob Anthes
Posted: 2/2/06, 2:40 AM EST Section: Sports
"This is a great lesson for all these guys," SU head coach Jim Boeheim said. "They can win without Gerry. It will help make them stronger. It gives us a chance to rest Gerry."
Syracuse also had its most accurate game offensively since it shot 56 percent against Kent State on Dec. 30. The Orange shot 48.2 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
The Orange traditionally looks for McNamara to shoot when it needs a boost, often despite heavy defensive pressure on the senior. The result, at least this season, mostly has been numerous missed shots.
Without McNamara, SU needed to pass around and take good shots, regardless of who shot the ball. In the waning seconds of overtime, Syracuse found itself on top thanks to a 3-pointer from Roberts, a shot most likely reserved for McNamara had he been healthy.
"Gerry went out, we were down five," Boeheim said. "He never came back. When you lose your best player without any practice time or anything, that's a huge mountain to overcome."
Syracuse also had its most accurate game offensively since it shot 56 percent against Kent State on Dec. 30. The Orange shot 48.2 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
The Orange traditionally looks for McNamara to shoot when it needs a boost, often despite heavy defensive pressure on the senior. The result, at least this season, mostly has been numerous missed shots.
Without McNamara, SU needed to pass around and take good shots, regardless of who shot the ball. In the waning seconds of overtime, Syracuse found itself on top thanks to a 3-pointer from Roberts, a shot most likely reserved for McNamara had he been healthy.
"Gerry went out, we were down five," Boeheim said. "He never came back. When you lose your best player without any practice time or anything, that's a huge mountain to overcome."
