Syracuse vs. Providence: Keita, Southerland Nursing Injuries

by Sean Keeley on Jan 3, 2012 10:00 AM EST

Amongst the many things that have been working in the favor of the No. 1 Syracuse Orange is the lack of serious injuries (knock on wood). Against DePaul, both Baye Moussa Keita and James Southerland sat out the second half due to injuries, forcing the extremely-deep Orange to tread slightly more carefully.

In the days leading up to their game against the Providence Friars on Wednesday, all eyes are on Keita's hips and Southerland's ankle.

So far, so good on both accounts.

Keita said the hip "was just a little bit sore." He did not anticipate any problems playing on Wednesday, when the Orange visit Providence for a 9 p.m. date with the Friars.

James Southerland, who twisted an ankle during Sunday's game, appeared to be fine on Monday.

Keita spent a good portion of practice riding a bike, which I wish we had a photo of.

As for the Friars, things aren't looking good lately. They're 11-4 but that's against a schedule ranked 301st overall. Plus, they're already 0-2 in the Big East and ranked dead last by ESPN.

Andy Katz thinks the Friars could give the Orange some trouble. Of course, Andy also thinks Providence beat No. 1 Pittsburgh last year, which they didn't, so...

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I think Andy has picked against Syracuse

in just about every game since NYC. It’s a safe play, because you sound smart and edgy for calling your shot, and there’s no consequence to its not happening, but if it does happen, he gets to preen and shout “TOLD YOU SO” all week.

It's the most bullshit thing I've seen in thirty years.

by Girardi Party on Jan 3, 2012 10:06 AM EST reply actions

Not to concerned on either account

Southie has certainly proven himself more valuable so far this season, but by no means critical. And with Fab A) physically able to play a lot of minutes and B) avoiding fould trobule despite blocking shots at a ridiculous rate, I’m fine with him getting 30 minutes against the Friars with XMas spelling him for stretches. It’ll keep Fab’s confidence high and get Rakeem some much needed PT in a game that the Orange should win anyway. Here’s how I would play it:

starters: Scoop, Triche, KJ, Rak and Fab.

First of the bench: CJ for Rak (as per usual).

Then use Rak to give Fab a blow around 7-8 minutes left in the first half. Bring Fab back in with 5-4 minutes to go, let the Orange finish the half strong and coast to a W in the second.

"If I ain't gonna be part of the greatest, I gotta be the greatest myself." Busta Rhymes

by FeloniousPhunk on Jan 3, 2012 10:39 AM EST reply actions

MCW

Got to get the RI boy in the game. May be his last trip to the Dunk with SU going ACC. I’ll be there. PreGame is at Uno’s at the Providence Place Mall. 6-game time.

by Orangedoug on Jan 3, 2012 10:51 AM EST reply actions

See ya there then

Late tip = ugly Thursday

Say Hey-o on Twitter! @RenegadePumpkin

by TheRenegadePumpkin on Jan 3, 2012 11:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Is Providence that lame?

That you are forced to tailgate at a chain restaurant in a mall? Eeks…

by ex-Townie on Jan 3, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

Not the only chooice

I’ll be at the Trinity Brewhouse: http://www.trinitybrewhouse.com/

There are few other places around the Dunk, but the only other place I’ve been is Rira (which is a chain as well): http://www.rira.com/rira/providence.html, which was OK. I’ve also heard Union Station Brewery is pretty good.

This space for rent

by Mike84 on Jan 3, 2012 2:15 PM EST up reply actions

unos

Al I know is the email I got saying it’s where the SU party is. I don’t pick em, I just go.

by Orangedoug on Jan 3, 2012 7:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Guess I'm not on that list

…I didn’t get that, who was it from?

This space for rent

by Mike84 on Jan 4, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions

not that worried about Prov

I hate to write off an opponent in the Big East, but if they’re going to only score 40 against the Hoyas, SU shouldn’t have much of a problem. If the Friars play like they did against G’town, they’ll lose by 30.

Utahns for Orange

by coffeeshark on Jan 3, 2012 3:48 PM EST reply actions