Can the Orange annex Cassell?
The Syracuse Orange (12-16, 6-11) are hitting the road to try and make it two wins in a row when they face the Virginia Tech Hokies (12-16, 7-10). Tip off is at Noon tomorrow on The CW and here’s what we’re predicting
Kevin: Syracuse 72, Virginia Tech 71
Neither team has been consistent at all this year and oddly the Hokies have struggled at home in ACC play. This feels like a game that will be decided by 3-point shooting. If the Orange can hold Virginia Tech under 35% from 3, they should be able to use their size on the interior to sneak out a win. If the Hokies are closer to 40% from deep, then they’d likely defend their homecourt.
Dom: Virginia Tech 80, Syracuse 75
Considering Syracuse is just 2-7 on the road this season, it’s obviously hard to truly believe the Orange can pick this win up. That being said, the Hokies are very much a team where their performance can fluctuate in any given game. Virginia Tech has an overall similar efficiency to NC State, but the three-pointers will be the deciding factor — Syracuse will settle for too many outside shots trying to keep it even and the Hokies win that battle and ultimately the matchup.
Max: Virginia Tech 74, Syracuse 68
Here’s another one that could really go either way, but I’m siding with the home team in what’s probably Virginia Tech’s last winnable game this season (remaining schedule against UNC and Clemson). The Hokies shoot better from three-point range and boast a higher KenPom defensive efficiency rating than the Orange, so it’s hard to go against them here. Sloppy basketball by both teams is nearly a certainty, but give me VT to rebound at home.
Szuba: Syracuse 72, Virginia Tech 70
Neither of these squads get it done on the defensive end, but Syracuse is slightly better on the offensive end of the floor. Virginia Tech has struggled taking care of the basketball this season and it doesn’t turn teams over on the other end. Give me JJ Starling and Eddie Lampkin to lead the charge in this road game.
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Now it’s your turn