Do you believe in miracles?
The Syracuse Orange (10-12, 4-7) are set to host future #1 pick Cooper Flagg and the #2 Duke Blue Devils (19-2, 11-0). Tip-off is at 7:00 pm on ESPN2 and here’s what we’re predicting in this one:
Szuba: Duke 91, Syracuse 59
Duke is so good and incredibly balanced in all aspects of the game, but I think the Blue Devils will particularly be able to shut Syracuse’s offense down, force them into turnovers and get out in transition for easy buckets. In the halfcourt — whether Syracuse plays zone or man — Duke will have the advantage at every position. Flagg will certainly get his, Kon Knueppel, Isaiah Evans and Tyrese Proctor are all worrisome from deep and it’s hard to think Syracuse will have answers for Maluach on lobs. No doubt JJ Starling will fight and do all he can, but expect it to be a long night for Orange Nation.
Dom: Duke 87, Syracuse 66
Same boat as James here on this one, just with a slightly less horrific score. I’m telling you — I’m getting eerily similar vibes with this matchup as the one in 2022. And that Syracuse team at least had some offensive talent and just couldn’t do anything until the second half. Duke’s offense will be the story, especially with Flagg bringing chaos everyone and all of the perimeter shooting the Blue Devils have, but this is really going to be the game where the deficit in turnover margin (Syracuse not forcing many and giving up just a few too much) really haunts them.
Kevin: Duke 87, Syracuse 72
I think this Orange team has an upset in them before the season ends, but it’s not tonight. This is a terrible matchup for a Syracuse team that is poor defensively and commits too many turnovers. This just feels like a night where Kon Kneuppel and Tyrese Proctor get clean looks all night long from deep. While I normally want this Syracuse team to push the ball, there best chance is to try and drag this game into the mud and hope the young Duke players get frustrated.
Mike: Duke 93, Syracuse 62
This series has not remotely resembled a rivalry over the past five years and there’s no metric to suggest SU’s Head-to-Head losing streak won’t reach ten games. The truth often hurts.
Sam: Duke 88, Syracuse 65
Duke is on the nation’s longest winning streak and I don’t see that ending tonight, although the matchup on Saturday at Clemson will be fun to watch.
Max: Duke 85, Syracuse 61
My shortest analysis of the year, and rightfully so. Duke is a national championship contender and should take care of Syracuse easily. Let’s just hope we get a few Orange highlights.
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Now it’s your turn