Virginia Tech vs Syracuse: 2019-20 key storylines for 2nd league clash

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 06: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass the ball between Mamadi Diakite #25 and Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on November 6, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeated Syracuse 48-34. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

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SYRACUSE, NY – NOVEMBER 06: Joe Girard III #11 of the Syracuse Orange (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /

Supporting cast has been stepping up of late

Even though the ACC is much weaker than in previous seasons, one talented player still isn’t good enough to get wins. Multiple players have to produce alongside the star to be in contention. Luckily for the Orange, Hughes has found some much-needed help in the freshman Girard.

The all-time scoring leader in New York high school history, Girard struggled in the month of November outside of the 24-point effort against Seattle. Since then, the 6’1 guard has been fantastic, scoring in double figures each game that includes three of at least 19 points. Buddy, the son of the head coach Jim Boeheim, has been even better, putting up a few 20+ point outings and has brought his average for the season up to 15.3 ppg. When on, Syracuse has the most dangerous perimeter in the conference.

Virginia Tech may not match the firepower that the Orange has but makes up for it in all-around production. Despite being just 6’2, Tyrece Radford leads the Hokies in rebounding (6.5 rpg) while shooting an incredible 67% from the field. He plays and operates like a seven-footer and opposing teams still don’t have an answer for him. He’s one of five players outside of Nolley that averages between 7.0-9.2 ppg. Four of them are freshmen, so the production varies from game-to-game. There are nights where one will go off for 20 or could put up a few points.

Neither the Hokies or the Orange have any size inside that’ll be a problem offensively, so manufacturing points will be key in this game. If Syracuse can shoot the lights out in this matchup, they have a great shot to win this. But if Nolley can get some help from the rest of Virginia Tech’s roster, it could be enough to outscore the Orange guards.