Syracuse students agree: Now we're in a must win game.
Syracuse had some rotten luck taking on NC State when Elijah Hughes had a groin injury and was unable to play. Joe Girard responded by scoring 30 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome a mediocre team at home. Now Syracuse has a chance to respond by picking up a win against #8 Florida State on the road.
Syracuse faces a tough task taking on Florida State, a team with three players that average over ten points a game. Devin Vassell leads the team in scoring and rebounding. FSU is the tallest team in the nation, lead the nation in blocked shots, and are top ten in steals. Syracuse has been relying on scoring in the paint and getting good buckets off offensive rebounds. That likely will be much more difficult today. Which means Syracuse must make three point buckets if it wants to win. Boeheim must do better than one made three in the game. Girard was able to find success in going to the basket against NC State, but that likely won't happen today. Additionally, Boeheim can't make turnovers like he did. While Hughes is likely to play today after a pretty good week of rest, if Boeheim doesn't add meaningful minutes by making baskets and not coughing up the ball, Syracuse is sunk. Syracuse will need to hit a good number of threes to stay in the game or win. While John has a good feeling about this game, and Syracuse seems to score more on the road than at home, there's literally nothing that would lead me to believe Syracuse can pull off this upset today. FSU over the Orange by 9.
This game is available on ESPN 2 at 12:00pm. Both John and I are watching on our televisions. Here's hoping for a big upset win. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
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