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The Syracuse Orange and Virginia Cavaliers are about to go head-to-head with the winner headed to the Final Four. The Orange have worked their way up from a 10-seed while the Cavs come in as the 1-seed. The Hoos won the game in Charlottesville earlier this season but it's not like SU didn't keep that one close. Do they have a chance to keep ruining #TheNarrative or will Virginia be one team too many?
Ari Gilberg
Virginia 72 - Syracuse 68
This game should be close until the very end, but I think Virginia eventually pulls away late. Led by seniors Malcom Brogdon and Anthony Gil, Virginia will be able to score on Syracuse's 2-3 zone–similar to how they were able to shoot 56.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three in these two team's previous matchup. While Michael Gbinije will have another impressive game for Syracuse, the senior won't be able to do it all himself. Unless Trevor Cooney, Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon all contribute with impressive showings shooting the ball, Syracuse's run will finally come to an end. But hey–even if it does end Sunday night–it has been one hell of a ride.'
Kevin Wall
Virginia 65 - Syracuse 60
It's hard to find a weakness with this Virginia team, and I think in the end they will hold on for a tough victory. For the Orange to keep the dream alive, they will need to get the same effort we've seen from Tyler Roberson on the boards, and connect for 40% or higher from 3. If those things happen, Syracuse has a chance of heading to Houston.
John Cassillo
Syracuse 68 - Virginia 66
#LOYALidiot? Hear me out: There's just something about this team that gives me weird, blind faith that this is going to work out. No, that belief did not work out during the season, but in this tournament, that confidence oddly sits in the back of my mind. Seniors Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije know what's at stake. With some timely shooting and some key defensive stops -- a hallmark of both this tournament and SU's 2013 run -- I tepidly think they live to play another day. (now go prove me right, Syracuse)
Sean Keeley
Virginia 70 - Syracuse 66
Oh the disloyalty! Look, I know the Orange have bucked the odds throughout this tournament and it's clear that something special has been going on. And while I think SU can win this game, I just don't know if I can "professionally" pull the trigger. I don't know if the Orange can keep relying on second-half efforts this time around. It's going to take the kind of full-game effort we've rarely seen from this team all season in order to win. I hope we see it, but I don't expect it. I'm more than happy to be wrong, tho.
How about you?