Syracuse vs. Notre Dame: To Zone or Not to Zone?

Entering the season there were expectations that this Orange team would be one of Syracuse's more talented defensive teams.  Some fans even dared to dream that that the Orange would move away from the zone defense that Jim Boeheim has made so famous to primarily play man defense.

However, those hopes and dreams have been shattered as Syracuse has struggled in man-to-man, and hasn't fared much better in zone lately either.  At this point it seems Syracuse fans will have to deal with a little bit of both.

Unfortunately, a little bit of both tomorrow could spell doom for the Orange.

Wednesday, Syracuse saw their defense shredded by a Georgetown team that barely shoots 35% from long range.  Syracuse tried to play man, tried to play zone, and neither defense did much to stop the hot shooting Hoyas.

Notre Dame, unlike Georgetown, comes into the Carrier Dome on Saturday shooting a healthy 42% from deep, and features a trio of three point shooters that are the envy of most teams in the country.

Kyle McAlarney, who shoots forty-eight percent from behind the arc, Ryan Ayers, who shoots 42, and Tory Jackson, who shoots 42% (on only 26 attempts) should be salivating at the thought of facing a zone defense, regardless of who plays it.

McAlarney has unlimited range and in this game he could extend the Syracuse zone to its breaking point.  By pulling out the guards to cover the three point shooters the middle should open up and the Notre Dame big men should have a field day down low.  The combination could be lethal for the Orange. 

Syracuse could hope for an off day from McAlarney, but they would be better served playing a healthy dose of man-to-man, and hoping that the Syracuse big men can neutralize Luke Harangody, and limit McAlarney's open looks.  It's unlikely that Syracuse, or any other team can shut the pair down, but by playing man defense, Syracuse gives itself its best shot of pulling off a victory.

Syracuse has a floor leader that can match Tory Jackson's athleticism and of late they've had their own version of Kyle McAlarney.  If Andy Rautins can return Saturday at full strength Syracuse should be able to counter McAlarney's 17 point per game with their own sharpshooter.

McAlarney certainly has a better track record over the course of his career for the Irish, but few Orange have shown the play-making ability and deep touch that Rautins has since entering the starting lineup in December.

The biggest question may be how Arinze Onuaku plays on Saturday.  Onuaku has had a tendency to disappear against the other superstar big men in the Big East, and he needs to come up big to help the Orange offset some of the damage that Luke Harangody is bound to do.

If he can play well, and the Orange can make some free throws, fans should see a good game on Saturday, and Syracuse should pull this one out.