Syracuse students agree: Roy Williams is still bitter.Syracuse just took apart the #13 team in the country last night, so does that mean #4 North Carolina is next? It is quite possible. Syracuse enters the game scoring more points than UNC with 90 points versus 85.5. Also Syracuse allows less per game with 58.7 to UNC’s 66. But the big statistic that will directly affect the outcome is that Syracuse had nine blocks last night and had blocked 20 in the two games before that. UNC will have a difficult task getting inside against this active and long 2-3 Syracuse Zone that will be just as active tonight I’m sure. That means Syracuse will force UNC’s outside shooters to do the bulk of the work for UNC on the scoreboard. As we all know Syracuse has been good at limiting teams with three point shooting, and no better is this illustrated than the statistics from the Cal game. Cal entered the game shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, and they finished that game shooting only 30%. This zone is longer than we have seen in the last few years and can limit shooters from the outside, especially when Andy Rautins is in the game. However, senior forward Deon Thompson (THOMPSON!!!) is a great player for UNC. He is averaging 17 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He should do some damage against Syracuse, especially in transition, but will be hampered by a much better defense than Ohio State’s. I see Syracuse pulling this one off, though I wouldn’t be surprised of UNC wins. Leaving NYC 1-1 wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. But 2-0 sounds much better, especially in the wake of defeating #13 and #4. Either way, I’ll call ‘Cuse in the coaching rematch of the 2003 National Championship. After all, Syracuse loves the bright lights of MSG. Syracuse over North Carolina by 16.
Labels: Basketball, Preview
Wow.
You called SU by 16. I thought, "Man, he's nuts. I could see SU winning this game, but by 16? No f'ing way."
87-71. Well played, sir.
Thank you sir.