Syracuse vs. Georgetown: TNIAAM Official Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (6-3) and hated Georgetown Hoyas (6-4) tip off at noon ET at the Carrier Dome. If you’re not attending in person, you can watch the proceedings on ESPN.

You don’t need to be told that there’s a history here (but in case you do, refresh yourself). Syracuse and Georgetown have met 91 times before, with the Orange owning a 49-42 advantage over the inferior Hoyas. Though SU’s caught in their own rough stretch of late, at least they didn’t lose to Arkansas State at home...

For more on that time Georgetown lost to Florida Gulf Coast, enjoy. But what do we think is going to happen this afternoon? We asked some of the TNIAAM staff for their thoughts.

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 68, Georgetown 62

It's imperative that the Orange get out to a strong start in this game,. A large crowd is coming to this game to honor Pearl and to see a Syracuse win over the Hoyas. We know what happens when a Syracuse team can get out to an early lead, the crowd can become a factor and the energy can boost the players. A slow start can often cause a reverse effect. It's going to be an emotional day, but really this is a game that Syracuse needs to win.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 72, Georgetown 64

This is always a classic battle to the end, and this year's matchup will hopefully give the Orange the "big game" win they've been looking for. The Orange come into this game coming off of a much needed win over BU, so look for the offense to be fluid and confident come tip off on Saturday. This is one of Jim Boeheim's last games verse his most historic rivalry, so any lapse of effort should result in a quick sub during this matchup. The game will be close till the final minutes, but look for Tyler Lydon and Andrew White III to hit some big-time threes to pull away.

James Szuba

Syracuse 68, Georgetown 60

Georgetown is scoring almost 80 points per game but a steadily improving 2-3 zone and carrier dome atmosphere limits the Hoyas to 60 points. The Orange will have to mitigate Rodney Pryor and LJ Peak and let us not forget what Bradley Hayes did against the zone last year. Expect Jessie Govan and Hayes to get paint touches for shots at the rim. Nonetheless, big nights from Lydon and White help lift the Orange over its erstwhile rival.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 70, Georgetown 66

Hopefully, no one’s told themselves this is going to be a big win. While the Hoyas had a difficult start to the year, they did face a tougher schedule and also managed to knock off Oregon. Still, the Orange should be reliable enough at home to pull this one off. Tyler Lydon bounces back on offense and DaJuan Coleman continues his strong play. Syracuse snags a much-needed win, though they don’t make it easy with a late defensive lapse.

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What say you? Add your own predictions below.