Syracuse students agree: Redemption is at hand.
Syracuse was definitely the underdog, but they had a chance to beat UNC on Tuesday. They came up short though, clearly missing a bigger body to rebound and defend, and yes maybe even score, from the center position. That's not a jab at Dolezaj. It's just a bigger body need to match up with a bigger body. So can Syracuse now get revenge against Pittsburgh after they did the same thing to Syracuse in the Dome?
Syracuse had a pretty commanding lead going into the half against Pitt in Syracuse. However, shooting droughts, the hesitance to go in the paint, and Pitt making threes down the stretch, earned Pitt an unlikely comeback win. Frankly it was one of the biggest collapses Syracuse has had in the last few seasons. And it probably wouldn't have happened with Sidibe in the lineup. Well, despite the 4 week timetable for his injury recovery coming and going, he's still out and not likely to return soon. No one else behing him is big enough or competent enough to play as Sidibe would have at the 5. Dolezaj is doing what he can, and is a solid offensive contributor, but he's still not as big as Sidibe. And Pitt was short handed last time they played. John Hugley on Pitt has been suspended indefinitely after being charged with several felonies. But news this hour came that Pitt's leading scorer Justin Champaigne is expected to play today. He's averaging 17.8ppg. It's not looking good for Syracuse. If they want to stay in it, they must get points of steals more than they did the other day. And they can't afford the dismal shot selection either. They have to drive and make outside baskets, along with good transition plays. Oh yeah, and Dolezaj and Guerrier have to stay out of foul trouble, despite Pitt likely going at both of them. Seems like a tall task sadly. I've obviously been wrong before, but I just don't have a good feeling about this game. Pitt over Syracuse by 13.
This game is available on the regional coverage at 12:00pm. Check your local listings here. I'll be in internet streaming hell, while John will be watching on crisp, clear cable. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Pittsburgh, Preview
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