Melo's blocks and the misses he forces often lead to fast breaks which result in easy points. So even though Melo scores only 6 points a game, he does a have a big impact on the offense, because he creates better scoring chances.
After some brief struggles to start the game, SU returned to its dominating ways, playing as they did before Melo left the lineup. They were fast-breaking and turning in awesome dunks, including one incredible dunk from Michael Carter-Williams, followed very closely by a good one from Dion Waiters.
For a few games there I was a little worried about the team’s title chances because the outside shooting was so bad. But if Melo is around he seems to make it easier for everyone.
But now Syracuse goes into a stretch where the schedule gets tougher. 5 of the last 7 games are against teams in the RPI top 30. I don’t expect to win them all, but even two losses, and another in the Big East Tournament would still give SU a good shot at a 1 seed in the tournament, not #1 overall, but a solid #1.
As for me personally, I ordered my tickets for the New York City Alumni Club, Big Apple Orange. The tickets were being distributed at Stout, an Irish bar half a block away from the Garden. The bar was incredibly crowded, even for 11 on a Saturday night, except it was 11 on a Saturday morning. The food was good, I had the delicious steak and eggs.
Our seats were not great, in the 400s, but we were in a section of all Syracuse fans. It seems liked the entire arena was a Syracuse section though. I would put the ratio of Syracuse fans to St. John’s at 3 to 1.
That explains why after the game Derrick Coleman was being mobbed on the 7th Avenue plaza. You could tell that he wanted to get going, but he was very gracious to shake hands and take pictures with all who were interested.
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