Syracuse students agree: This game is the biggest of the season so far.
This is by far Syracuse’s biggest test on the season. #6 Michigan State comes in 6-2, but don’t let that record fool you. They are playing great basketball right now and their losses are only to a streaking Connecticut and #1 Duke. The chief concern for Michigan State is ailing Kalin Lucas who has had a sore foot and has been pretty tired. He sat out the second half of their last game. That can only be good for Syracuse as he leads State in field goal and three point percentage. Syracuse also needs a big shooting day. They had an abysmal shooting day against NC State hitting 38.3% from the floor and only 2-16 from behind the arc. Surely they can’t have two bad shooting days in a row right. The key to this game is find success getting the ball inside. Rick Jackson and Kris Joseph have found success on the floor. And Keita, Fair, Waiters, and Melo will have to add some scoring in their time on the floor, even if it is limited. Full strength I’d be worried about Michigan State, but because Lucas has had issues recently I think Syracuse probably manages to sack up and win a big game. I think this game will be extremely close and favor Syracuse, or Michigan State will blow the doors off the Orange. I barely think the former will occur though. I’m picking Syracuse, but barely. Winning by 2.
This game is on ESPN at 9:00pm as part of the Jimmy V Classic. The game before this is excellent as well with Memphis taking on Kansas. Check out all the action from MSG and go do something to help fight against cancer.
Labels: Basketball, Preview
Make this a game between #7/8 versus #8/7