The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team earned an important win over Virginia Tech Wednesday night. In one of Syracuse’s most complete games of the season, freshman forward Maliq Brown stood out with the first double-double of his collegiate career.
Brown came off the pine, scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 34 minutes of play. He continues to address what Syracuse needs up front. He has played 70 minutes in the last two games despite coming off the bench.
“It doesn’t matter who starts. It’s important who’s playing,” said Jim Boeheim after the game.
Brown provided an instant spark in the first half against Virginia Tech by interfering around the basket. He was Johnny-on-the-spot, closing around the rim and providing a big lift on the glass for a team desperate to find ways to close defensive possession with his rebound.
“He’s going to be a great player for us for the rest of the year,” said Joe Girard immediately after the game.
Brown has yet to take an off-color shot this season, and he’s shooting a team-best 63.8% from the floor as a result.
“He stays around the basket. He does. There’s the ball. That’s where he gets some rebounds,” said Boeheim.
Shot Chart by Maliq Brown | CBB Analytics
All in all, while Brown continues to grow throughout his first season, it seems he’s poised for a bigger role.
“Maliq is doing what we need him to do,” Boeheim concluded.
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