The Syracuse Orange (5-0) are back in action after Thanksgiving, looking for a 6-0 start. Standing in their way are the Maryland Terrapins (6-1), fresh off a win over New Mexico — but the Terps also lost to St. Bonaventure as well. This is an ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup too, adding some extra stakes for former ACC member Maryland.
You can watch Syracuse aim to stop its three-game slide in the challenge at 7 p.m. on Monday night on ESPN2 (or WatchESPN). Or, you can just go to the Carrier Dome if you’re nearby.
So what does the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?
Kevin Wall
Syracuse 65, Maryland 63
If Tyus Battle is able to go I think Syracuse is able to squeak out a close win here. The Orange defense has been solid to start the year and Maryland will provide a strong test. A key to tonight's game could be Maryland reserve Dion Wiley who is shooting just under 50% from 3 this season. If he hits a few it could cause the Syracuse zone to open up opportunities for the Terps.
Ben Sigel
Syracuse 65, Maryland 61
I️ think Maryland’s turnover problem ultimately decides the game. The 2-3 zone will cause fits for the Terps and Syracuse will get just enough offense to improve to 6-0.
James Szuba
Maryland 65, Syracuse 63
Maryland comes into tonight's contest having dropped a game to St. Bonaventure, but don't think the Terps don't represent a huge challenge. Maryland is ranked as the No. 30 defensive team in country, per Ken Pom. I expect the Terps to limit the Orange offense, especially if Tyus isn't 100 percent. Maryland has been turnover prone and has struggled a bit from range to start the season so look for the Orange to force the issue in the zone. Both teams are rebounding the ball at an exceptional rate this season, so the glass will be a key component of the game. Oddly enough, Syracuse is third in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 41.9 percent. Second chance points will be key, but I expect Maryland to get it done defensively and come out with a win.
Andrew Godnick
Syracuse 61, Maryland 57
This is going to be a defensive battle as Syracuse's length will prevail. The Terrapins commit way to many turnovers to withstand the dominant Syracuse defense, and Tyus Battle will be healthy enough to continue his stellar play.
Bobby Manning
Syracuse 67, Maryland 66
This game is almost the perfect test for the Orange in a schedule that hasn’t thrown much firepower SU’s way yet. Maryland isn’t a powerhouse, yet hold sturdy standing at 37th in the KenPom rankings to date. The Terp’s loss to St. Bonaventure showed their problems as a team lie much where the Orange’s is: offensive consistency. Maryland shot 5-of-23 outside in that game, but also have an impressive win over Butler on their resume. Most importantly, their defense is 20th in points allowed (Cuse 9th) so while the Orange have the best scorer on the floor in Tyus Battle, the Terps have personnel to get stops. This will almost certainly be a low-scoring, single possession game but at home it’s one that Syracuse should have with some of the strides they’ve made through five games.
John Cassillo
Syracuse 68, Maryland 64
Tyus Battle’s status has me concerned, but the Syracuse defense should still be able to show up and slow down the (turnover-prone) Terps. SU is likely to play well in the paint, rebound enough to create second chances and shut down Maryland’s inside game. This one will go down to the wire, but the Orange’s size makes the difference, forcing the Terrapins to try and beat SU from outside (which they can’t).
Poll
What will be the outcome of the Syracuse vs. Maryland game?
This poll is closed
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17%
Syracuse wins by 10 or more and we might be good this year!
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57%
Syracuse wins by 1-9 points and it’s fine
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21%
Maryland wins by 1-9 points and we’re bummed
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3%
Maryland wins by 10 or more points and uh oh...