Syracuse students agree: It's been a long time since SU has been to Blacksburg.
Syracuse, despite some trouble, won their first test in the ACC Conference. But now, Syracuse plans another former conference mate in Virginia Tech. While Syracuse and VTech were a pretty good conference football tilt back in the day, this was never really a compelling basketball matchup.
Syracuse, despite not looking that impressive against Miami, is still the team to beat in the ACC. What makes Virginia Tech a dangerous team is that they hit 42.5% of three point attempts, good enough for #6 in the nation. And with the zone, Syracuse will be inviting VTech to chuck them early and often from deep. Luckily Syracuse has been able to rotate and cover most shooters in corners and all around despite great ball movement from opponents. However, I think this game will go exactly like the Villanova game. VTech, especially at home, should shoot well and get an early lead. Syracuse will adjust, chip at the lead and get it close at half. Then it will be all Syracuse in the second half. Virginia Tech scores mostly in transition. However, Syracuse is good at getting back and setting up the zone to not allow transition threes often. Additionally, Syracuse's own transition game should be giving VTech some fits. Look for Trevor Cooney and Tyler Ennis to get a good chuck of steals for Syracuse and probably 15-20 points in transition. I think Syracuse can get some good production again out of Christmas and Grant. CJ Fair was somewhat cold against Miami until he really needed to be hot. I think CJ doesn't have a let down in this game. The Hokies will be on CJ, but will allow him to get the mid-range jumper going. I don't think Syracuse is nearly as flat on offense as in the Miami game. There should be some highlights in this one. Additionally, it is cold and people in Virginia can't stand like 30 degrees out, let alone what it actually is outside there. And students aren't on campus still. The building won't be empty, but it probably won't be that loud. Syracuse should take advantage. I'm taking the Orange by 26, avenging my Miami prediction.
This game is available on The ACC Netowrk at 9:00pm. You can see if it's on your local television here. Other than in NY and VA though, it isn't on a lot of stations so the game is available on WatchESPN where blackout doesn't apply. Check the blackout here. For the rest of you, John and I will be watching from the respective home offices. We'll be back soon with the recap and a Bowl Game Recap, as well as a football season wrap up. Oh and hey, lacrosse in a little bit. Giddy up.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
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