The second half on Tuesday night against Wake Forest was a reason to believe in the Syracuse Orange. The SU defense clamped down for much of the half, including an extended 19-4 run to propel the Orange into the lead.

It took a lot to get a win over Wake Forest, and holding the Demon Deacons to 76 points is no easy task as they sit 4th in the ACC in scoring at 81.7 points per game. Offensively, it took Taurean Thompson having his second best game in ACC play. It also took one of the best all-around games Tyler Lydon has had this year scoring 15 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists. It also took a season high 27 points from Andrew White.

It took a lot to get a win over Wake Forest.

But the second half showed why and how the Orange can be dangerous. If Andrew White is hitting threes, if Tyler Lydon is playing like he can, if Taurean Thompson can give double-digit points and play reasonably formidable defensively… if, if, if. It’s a lot of “ifs” but if things go right for the Orange, they can be a dangerous team and a team that could put a scare into a lot of teams down the stretch.

(More “ifs” here) If the Orange can win their home games, including #6 Florida State this weekend, and a top 15 Virginia team next weekend, then it may take one or two road wins (putting the Orange over .500 in ACC play) to make the Tournament. I don’t think it will happen, and I’m still not convinced that’s even enough to make the tournament due to the terrible non-conference the Orange had, but at least it’s a fun argument, right? And Tuesday night’s win at least kept that small glimpse of hope, and that small chance of having that discussion alive.

The Orange still has its problems and those were on display Tuesday with John Collins’ ability to get position and score at will inside, he ended up posting 23 points and 13 rebounds. The point guard play is still shaky, with John Gillon playing well at times while looking lost at other times.

But when the Orange has a half like the second half on Tuesday night, and score 52 points while holding a high powered offense relatively in check, it makes you think that maybe more is possible that what we’ve seen so far from this SU team.