Syracuse vs. UConn: Key storylines to watch in the 2K Classic matchup

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 10: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange shoots the ball during the second half against the Morehead State Eagles at the Carrier Dome on November 10, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats Morehead State 84-70. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 11: A detail of Connecticut Huskies’ shoes. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Will UConn get to the free throw line?

Throughout last season, UConn was one of the better free throw shooting teams in the nation. In fact, their 74.5% mark as a team ranked in the top-75 of the nation. And as we look at this season, it is important to mention that the Huskies’ top free throw shooters last year, Christian Vital (84.6%) and Jalen Adams (79.6%), are back with the team.

The problem, though, is that UConn struggled to draw fouls a year ago. Statistically, their free throw rate of .324 ranked at 205th in the nation. And considering the Huskies took the vast majority of their shots inside the 3-point arc last season, one would have hoped that they could have gotten to the line more frequently. This is especially true when you consider that UConn went 7-2 in games where they made at least 17 free throws (7-16 in all other games).

For this game, in particular, UConn will want to attack Syracuse’s zone as much as possible and hopefully draw contact. Although considerably deeper and more talented than last season, the Orange’s bench is inexperienced. If UConn is able to force foul trouble and create scoring opportunities at the line instead of against the zone in the halfcourt, this could turn out to be interesting battle.

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