Syracuse students agree: Time to destroya the Hoya.The last time I previewed this game it was a huge affair. Both teams were highly ranked, they were near the top of the Big East, and everything was tense. This time around, although there is still much meaning to this game, it seems less intense than the first meeting. This is simply a byproduct of Georgetown taking an epic fall over the last few weeks, and Syracuse having a downward trend of their own. But make no mistake, this game means a lot to both programs, its fans, and the coaches and players involved. This is a huge game, and the Orange need to win it badly, not only to beat a hated rival, but to earn another now crucial Big East win.
DaJuan Summers is still the stud for the Hoyas, averaging 14.2ppg, 4.5rpg and 42.2% from long distance. Freshmen center Greg Monroe is also making a huge impact on the offense for the Hoyas with 13ppg and 6.4rpg. But Georgetown has fallen on some hard times, losing six out of seven since playing Syracuse. That includes only a win over Rutgers, and an overtime loss to Cincinnati, as well as that big loss at Seton Hall. This is not the same team we played in DC and now they are in desperation mode. They are averaging 71.3ppg, while the Orange are averaging 78.7. This team is not as tough as they once were it seems, and being away from the friendly confines of your home arena is not going to help their situation.
The key to this game will be for the Orange to again embrace the huge, orange crowd that will be in the Carrier Dome and feed off their energy. Syracuse will have to see improved post play from Onuaku and Jackson if Syracuse will succeed. Additionally, they need to take back the rebounding advantage from the other team, and continue to limit turnovers while forcing more for the other team like they did at UConn. Overall though, if you are a Syracuse fan, despite what happened with the last two games you should have a good taste in your mouth going into this one. This game is at home, so at the very least you should be moderately reassured. Syracuse over Georgetown by 12.
I of course will be attending this game to wrap up my week long Big East Extravaganza. I’ll be sure to fill you in on the various goings on that will be occurring in and around the Carrier Dome this weekend. If any alumni are making the trek have safe travels and be sure to say hello. And if anyone out there is attending the game, be sure you are decked out in your best orange apparel to Orange Out The Dome. Additionally, to get yourself in the right mental space, be sure to see if you are in fact a Certified Hoya Hater with my official quiz. Finally, Syracuse starts their quest for their next lacrosse title this Sunday at 3:00pm in the Carrier Dome as well, so hopefully I will be able to catch that. I’ll be back likely on Monday with a wrap up of all of the weekend goings ons and some nice photos so you can pretend you were there even if you weren’t. Will there be a court rush? I hope not, but against Georgetown you can never rule it out.
DaJuan Summers is still the stud for the Hoyas, averaging 14.2ppg, 4.5rpg and 42.2% from long distance. Freshmen center Greg Monroe is also making a huge impact on the offense for the Hoyas with 13ppg and 6.4rpg. But Georgetown has fallen on some hard times, losing six out of seven since playing Syracuse. That includes only a win over Rutgers, and an overtime loss to Cincinnati, as well as that big loss at Seton Hall. This is not the same team we played in DC and now they are in desperation mode. They are averaging 71.3ppg, while the Orange are averaging 78.7. This team is not as tough as they once were it seems, and being away from the friendly confines of your home arena is not going to help their situation.
The key to this game will be for the Orange to again embrace the huge, orange crowd that will be in the Carrier Dome and feed off their energy. Syracuse will have to see improved post play from Onuaku and Jackson if Syracuse will succeed. Additionally, they need to take back the rebounding advantage from the other team, and continue to limit turnovers while forcing more for the other team like they did at UConn. Overall though, if you are a Syracuse fan, despite what happened with the last two games you should have a good taste in your mouth going into this one. This game is at home, so at the very least you should be moderately reassured. Syracuse over Georgetown by 12.
I of course will be attending this game to wrap up my week long Big East Extravaganza. I’ll be sure to fill you in on the various goings on that will be occurring in and around the Carrier Dome this weekend. If any alumni are making the trek have safe travels and be sure to say hello. And if anyone out there is attending the game, be sure you are decked out in your best orange apparel to Orange Out The Dome. Additionally, to get yourself in the right mental space, be sure to see if you are in fact a Certified Hoya Hater with my official quiz. Finally, Syracuse starts their quest for their next lacrosse title this Sunday at 3:00pm in the Carrier Dome as well, so hopefully I will be able to catch that. I’ll be back likely on Monday with a wrap up of all of the weekend goings ons and some nice photos so you can pretend you were there even if you weren’t. Will there be a court rush? I hope not, but against Georgetown you can never rule it out.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Brian Harrison's Terrific Travels, Georgetown, Preview
I posted some photos of the Orange Out on my blog today.
http://stphoto.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/orange-out/