The nation's top-ranked team will attempt to remain unbeaten as the Syracuse Orange invade the Dunkin' Donuts Center to do battle with the Providence Friars in Big East Conference action.

Although Providence enters this tilt with a solid 11-4 overall record, both of the team's conference games have ended in defeat. After getting blown out by St. John's in the league lidlifter, the Friars dropped a 49-40 decision to Georgetown last Saturday. On a positive note, Providence is a perfect 8-0 at home this season.

The Orange own a commanding 44-10 series advantage over Providence, which includes an 81-74 decision in the only meeting between the two last season.

Through 15 outings, Providence is paced by Vincent Council who is scoring 16.1 ppg to go along with his 6.6 apg. Gerard Coleman checks in with 15.3 ppg and 5.9 rpg, while Bryce Cotton provides 14.5 ppg. Rounding out a foursome of double-digit scorers is LaDonte Henton, as he is posting 13.2 ppg to complement his 8.9 rpg. The Friars are generating 69.5 ppg while limiting opponents to 63.9 ppg on 38.3 percent field goal efficiency. The team is outrebounding opponents by 4.3 rpg, but none of the positive stats will matter if the club falls to 0-3 in league play tonight. The fact that Providence scored only 40 points against Georgetown on 25.5 percent field goal efficiency was extremely disappointing, as it overshadowed a stellar defensive effort. Henton scored a team-best 13 points in defeat to go along with his 11 rebounds.

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G'ORANGE!