Syracuse students agree: Beating Wake is a must for Saturday to matter the most.
Syracuse heads down to Wake Forest to play in a basketball game. While fans don't typically look past any opponent, and the kids on the team usually don't, they can think of a lesser opponent before another game that features a bigger one. Hopefully this isn't the case tonight.
Syracuse plays Wake Forest, a team that has to very credible scoring threats in Codi Miller-McIntyre and Devin Thomas. Miller-McIntyre is more of the outside threat in scoring with a shot, but also good at distributing the ball. Thomas is a big man down low in the paint. Both can hurt so it will be interesting to see how they respond to playing against the best zone defense in the country. The real question is does Syracuse have enough players to put in the middle of the zone that can take fouls and also guard a good post presence like Thomas? So far, that is a yes, but this team could surprise Syracuse and play well at home. I think this will be another close game until the final few minutes of the second half. Especially if Wake is leading the rebounding battle and getting good second chance opportunities, this could be a tough game for Syracuse. But I think Trevor Cooney showed at Miami he has his stroke back and he made a lot better choices with the basketball in that game than the few before. Ennis was rock solid as ever. Fair is Fair. And Grant will be good for a couple big dunks and a few big blocks. The blocks might be more important in this game. If Syracuse continues to play a solid defense they will win the game. Keeping the rebound totals close is also important, but even if they don't win the rebounding battle, good defense will help the cause. Wake has lost to Clemson but they beat Notre Dame so who knows what team shows up tonight. What I do know is if Syracuse plays a great defensive game, things will work out. I'm taking the Orange by 8.
This game is available regionally on the ACC Network at 9:00pm. Check here to see if the game is on TV in your area. For those not in any of those places, the game is available online at Watch ESPN. Blackout rules apply here.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
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