Syracuse students agree: Few things are better than beating Duke.
The Orange lost another nail biter, this time at Clemson, earning their first ACC road loss. But now Syracuse has a chance for a major resume builder. With Syracuse's only date with Duke this season, can Syracuse get a Q1, upset win at home to keep the momentum moving forward?
Syracuse has a tough ask in facing Duke. However, the good news is over 31,000 people will be rooting for Syracuse against Duke this Saturday in the Dome. Unfortunately for Syracuse, Duke has a very capable big man in Vernon Carey. That being said, while talented, Duke only makes 32.4% from behind the arc, which favor's Syracuse. The key to the game will be Syracuse limiting Carey. Sidibe and Dolezaj did their job at Clemson in limiting their post players, however they fouled out in the game, leaving a freshman to do an upperclassman's job. If Syracuse can stay out of foul trouble against Duke, they have a real shot, as Syracuse has done just enough on offense as of late to win games. The defense has obviously improved as well. But it matters that the starters are able to be in the game versus untested bench players. I have no idea how this game will actually go, but I suspect it will be tight or back and forth until the final five minutes. I then expect Duke to pull away with it, but anything can happen at home for Syracuse. Especially in this series. Syracuse is certainly capable of earning the upset, but the smart money is definitely on Duke. I'm taking the Blue Devils by five.
This game is available on ESPN at 8:00pm. Both John and I will be in the Dome on Saturday night, although not sitting together. This game actually is the 6th anniversery to the day of the first conference meeting between the schools in the Dome. February 1, 2014 was the day Syracuse's attendance record was broken. And, as I came to learn, was the last game I'd get to attend and the last thing I'd do with my Mom before she passed away. I'm homing for a fun day with some old friends, and obviously a big Syracuse win. But if not, have fun and enjoy the time you do have. We'll see you out there, for real this time. Duck Fuke and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Duke, Preview, We Hate Duke
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