The ACC/Big Ten Challenge Syracuse - Rutgers Preview
0 Comments Published on 12.08.2020 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse students agree: We're too young to remember Syracuse beating Rutgers.
The ACC/Big Ten Challenge returns, and Syracuse is heading to the RAC to take on #21 Rutgers. Both teams are wearing throwbacks tonight, so it will have a vintage feel in the RAC. I'm assuming it will be another empty venue in NJ, so it will just be basketball versus basketball in an early test for this Syracuse team.
Yes, Syracuse has traveled from New York State before January. As with a lot of these early games over the years, it will most likely go one of two ways. Either Syracuse will allow Rutgers to score at will, and Syracuse will close in the 2nd half, but lose a fairly close game. Or, the Syracuse defense will show up, they will create turnovers, and get a comfortable lead in the 2nd half. However, this game will likely be fairly close wire to wire if Syracuse's defense is working like we saw against Rider and even Bryant. Syracuse will need to find and contain Ron Harper Jr. he's currently averaging 21 points and 7.7 rebounds. The defense has consistently gotten better since the start of the year (practice... what do you know?), and it helps that Richmond is longer at the top of the Zone when he's in. Syracuse has looked much sharper on offense the last two games as well. And if Syracuse shoots as well from three as they did against Rider, Syracuse could have a cushy victory over a ranked team. Rutgers has allowed over 35% from behind the arc in their last two games. If Syracuse is able to find success shooting, that will force Rutgers to guard the perimeter, which will obviously free Dolezaj and Guerrier to go HAM inside the paint. Rutgers is a pretty good team. But I think Syracuse will surprise some people in this one. I'm taking Syracuse over Rutgers at the RAC by eight.
This game is available in the late slot of 9:30pm on ESPN 2. Both John and I will be watching from the command centers. Stay frosty, party like it's 2003-2013, and GO ORANGE!
Labels: Basketball, Preview
0 Responses to “The ACC/Big Ten Challenge Syracuse - Rutgers Preview”
Post a Comment