Syracuse students agree: This game is big time before the Big East.Much like Syracuse, Florida is better than you might expect. They lost their star player to the draft in the off season, but that doesn't mean that they don't have playmakers. Vernon Macklin, a center/forward combo, averages 11.3ppg and 5.9rpg. He has quality moves down low, and can body defenders. However, I do not know why anyone is saying this should be a close game. The numbers don't back that up. Florida is 8-0 but have not played a ranked team. They manhandled the likes of Rutgers, Troy, and Stetson but their margin of victories are not as large as Syracuse, nor do they score even remotely the number of points. Also, who couldn't manhandle those teams. Syracuse averages 90.4ppg, while Florida only drops 75.8. Florida distributes the ball however, so if Syracuse manages to have an active 2-3 Zone and cause points off turnovers this should be an easy victory for the #6/7 'Cuse, despite Florida having a #10/11 next to their name. Syracuse over Florida on the "neutral court" by 17.
Programming Note: I'll be in Tampa for this game, and will remain there until late Sunday. Therefore, Correspondent John Brennan will be taking over duties in regards to the St. Francis game on Sunday. I'll do my best for a recap of this one, but John may be taking that over as well. However look for my standard fare of tweets and pictures from the game live from Tampa (@BH_Orange::44). I look forward to leaving the snow, even if it is only temporary.
Labels: Basketball, Brian Harrison's Terrific Travels, Preview
Hey Brian, I think you forgot about the Florida - Michigan St game that vaulted the Gators into the top 10. Or does MSU not count as a ranked team since they play in the Big 10, or something like that? Just curious, haha!
While Mich. St. is a decent team let's face it, they are not the team of last year. I stand by my assessment.
Nor is Carolina the team they were last year, and that stands as Cuse's top win
Apparently you haven't seen us play or the stats there Anonymous.