It’s all about the (ESPN)U
The Syracuse Orange (11-16, 5-11) play host to the NC State Wolfpack (11-16, 4-12) tonight in a game with major ACC Tournament implications. Tip off is at 7:00 on ESPNU and here’s what we’re predicting:
Kevin: NC State 73, Syracuse 71
The Orange have had a week off to prepare for a NC State team that has struggled to build off last year’s Final Four run. The Wolfpack stunned Wake in their last game and they enter tonight with some momentum. This is a game that Syracuse has to win and I don’t think being at home is an advantage the way the crowd has been responding to this team. Unless the Orange get 15+ points from three players, this is going to be a long two weeks in what will be a long off-season.
Dom: Syracuse 79, NC State 69
Syracuse’s recent skid is a cause for concern to be sure, and especially with the Wolfpack easily coming off one of its best wins all year. But, NC State has not won a single game on the road (like, at all). In those games, it hasn’t cracked more than 73 points. The Orange’s defense has looked shaky in moments, but the offense can cobble enough together and the Wolfpack have repeatedly shown they cannot score away from North Carolina.
Mike: Syracuse 72, NC State 66
I have minimal analysis to offer other than “the Wolfpack still don’t have a road win and that shouldn’t change tonight.”
Max: Syracuse 75, NC State 71
I’ll remain optimistic and predict Syracuse will salvage some sort of postseason play with a win tonight. The Orange shoot the ball much better than the Wolfpack, who among ACC teams in conference play are 17th in two-point percentage and 15th in three-point percentage per KenPom. It won’t be the prettiest by any means, but JJ Starling and company will do just enough for a narrow victory.
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Now it’s your turn: