Syracuse students agree: This is a must win game.
Syracuse has played the exact same game twice now. With Pitt and Miami, Syracuse kept pace in the game, even leading in the 2nd half, only to fade out after the Under 4 time out, losing by 11 and 13 points. Syracuse was outrebounded in both games, and when it came down to it, no one was clutch and scoring down the stretch. However, the bright spot was Malachi Richardson against Miami, and Tyler Roberson against Pitt. These players contributing is nice (and necessary to win), but they haven't put it together in one night, as when Richardson got hot, Michael Gbinije had probably the worst game of his career. When Roberson got hot, Cooney turned the ball over badly late in the game. A veteran and a roll player have to be hot on any given night for SU to win. SU couldn't beat Miami who couldn't hit anything. Clemson is actually a better 3 point team on paper. They shoot an awful lot. More than Syracuse even. So the question is, will Syracuse be able to defend the line and rebound when Clemson's shots don't go in? If Syracuse manages to keep the rebounding close, and keep harassing the Clemson shooters, without letting them have free reign in the paint, SU should have a nice home win. I think Richardson stays hot, and Gbinije bounces back. I like SU's chances at home to rebound and get back a little momentum in a must win game for the season right now. SU over Clemson at home by 8. This game is available regionally at 8:00pm. Check your local listings here. WatchESPN for the rest of you.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
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