Syracuse vs. Buffalo Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

After the emotional high of a comeback win over Georgetown, the Syracuse Orange (9-1) refocus efforts on the next opponent: the Buffalo Bulls (7-3). Buffalo’s looked alright this year, and even have a scary scorer (CJ Massinburg) to rattle you a little bit in advance. “Yay?”

You can watch Syracuse vs. Buffalo at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra/WatchESPN.

So what does the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 75, Buffalo 68

We'll see if the Orange can build off the late-game offensive momentum they found on Saturday as the next two games will be important to get before ACC play begins. Frank Howard and Oshae Brissett can take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of Tyus Battle if they continue to be threats with the ball. There is no question about the heart of this team, but if they can be efficient on the offensive end they will stand a better chance the rest of the way.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 81, Buffalo 64

The Orange are coming off of a win where they exerted their energy tank to its maximum, so a slow start could be expected. However, this team seems to hungry to prove the doubters wrong this year, so don't expect a slow start to last long, if at all. It'll be another 20+ point outing for Tyus Battle, but the real thing to watch will be if Oshae Brissett can build off of his hot shooting performance on Saturday. I say he does, as the Orange move to 10-1 with a win.

James Szuba

Syracuse 74, Buffalo 64

Interestingly enough, by the RPI metric Syracuse will have a chance to earn its "best" win of the season when Buffalo comes to town. UB is ranked 62 in RPI as all all three of its losses are to respectable teams (yes, even South Dakota State. Read: Mike Daum). The Bulls have already made just under 100 threes on the season so look for them to take a similar approach to Colgate. That said, the Orange have proven that they can win against that formula. There's no reason to believe that Tyus Battle will stop his streak of 20 point games and the Orange should dominate the glass.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 74, Buffalo 69

This feels like a classic letdown game for Syracuse (one that any seasoned Orange fan should be well familiar with). That said, I’m willing to believe SU’s defense is locked-in enough this season to hold the Bulls in check. However, Mossinburg is a dangerous scorer from every part of the floor, which could open up another part of the zone for someone else (your classic surprise three-point shooter?). Syracuse starts slow, then finally gets going in the second half. Still, you might be a bit stressed during this one.

Now it’s your turn...