Historic ACC rivals meet again
The Syracuse Orange (14-18, 7-13) will face the SMU Mustangs (22-9, 13-7) in the second round of the ACC Tournament with a 9:30 tip on ESPNU. SMU won the regular season meeting with a final second tip-in and here’s what we’re predicting…
Szuba: SMU 78, Syracuse 75
SMU comes into the ACC Tournament limping, having lost four of its last seven and three wins over the bottom of the league. I think Syracuse can compete and keep it close, but it’s hard to look the other way on what’s happened late in second halves. JJ Starling and Eddie Lampkin should once again half strong outings, but edge to SMU down the stretch as Boopie Miller takes over.
Mike: SMU 80, Syracuse 68
One of these teams is desperate: they lost a game they couldn’t afford to and now absolutely need to go on a run in the ACCT to get into the Field of 68. The other is the last team they did beat, who at least avoided a one-night stay… barely. SMU falling in Charlotte again, at the hands of the school that got Clemson there for football, would be rather funny to see, but my crystal ball is all fogged up. Pack it up and turn on the lacrosse.
Kevin: SMU 83, Syracuse 76
The Orange had to rely on their starters for heavy minutes last night and will face a much better offensive team tonight. Syracuse controlled the game in Dallas last week and I think the Mustangs will be better prepared. Expect a lot of double and triple-teams when Lampkin gets the ball, so can the Orange make some outside shots tonight? If they don’t the season is likely ending here.
Max: SMU 86, Syracuse 77
Unfortunately, the run ends here. I was pleasantly surprised with Syracuse’s performance on the road last week, but like Kevin, I think SMU will be much better prepared this time around. And after watching the Orange struggle to finish out last night’s win, I find it hard to believe they can repeat this success against a well-rounded Mustang team.
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Now it’s your turn