Syracuse students agree: Pittsburgh is not the same as they were.
Pittsburgh is a mess right now. Syracuse is the absolute opposite of that. The #1 team in the nation, they are undefeated on the year at 19-0. One more win and Syracuse will have their best start in program history. But what about today's game?
Good news for Syracuse is that this game is being played in the Carrier Dome. Obviously the chance for a major upset highly decreases on the road, and Pittsburgh will have to play a pretty perfect game. Ashton Gibbs is the clear star for Pitt, averaging 16.9ppg. Gibbs can't do it alone however. He had 29 points against Marquette, but Pitt still lost by five points at Marquette. Pitt's real problem is they turn the ball over a lot. Syracuse causes a lot of turnovers. I personally think Pitt is screwed. However, if Nasir Robinson (12.4ppg) also gets hot, Syracuse could have some trouble putting this game away early. Pittsburgh is also a great rebounding team. Syracuse had a bad shooting affair in the first half against Providence on Saturday. That shouldn't happen against Pittsburgh today, especially because the revenge factor for this team is high. Any team that beats them last year they remember and are sure to finish them off this season. Again, Pittsburgh can rebound. However Syracuse is still undefeated and they haven't always led in rebounding. Like both games against Providence. Dion Waiters is still very hot, and Kris Joseph is playing well, leading Syracuse in scoring. I'm picking the Orange at home. I still can't decide if Pitt's offense or defense is worse. If Syracuse plays halfway decent defense they should be fine. Syracuse wins this one on a BIG MONDAY by 11.
This game is available on ESPN nationally tonight at 7:30. I'll be in the Dome tonight so there will be little Twitter activity tonight. But we'll be sure to slander Pitt on our trip up. Enjoy your Monday, and most likely your holiday off from work.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Preview
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