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The Syracuse Orange (6-1) play a second straight neutral-site game on Tuesday night -- this time against the Connecticut Huskies (6-2). When we last met UConn, we played in one of the worst basketball games I’ve ever had the displeasure to witness. Let’s hope this year’s edition doesn’t mimic that sort of nonsense.
You can watch Syracuse vs. Connecticut at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN (or WatchESPN). Or if you’re in the New York City area, perhaps you’re heading to the game at Madison Square Garden.
So what does the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?
Ben Sigel
Syracuse 66, UConn 58
Syracuse gets back on track at MSG with a win. The defense will be much sharper than the Kansas game, and the offense will be more productive. The Orange will move the ball and not rely so much on the 3. SU should improved to 7-1 tonight.
Kevin Wall
Syracuse 59, UConn 55
Last year's contest between the Orange and Huskies was the game basketball wants to forget, but I'm afraid we'll get a painful reminder on Tuesday night. Anyone who dismisses UConn's chances based upon their performance this season hasn't watched a lot of games between the two schools. We know that Kevin Ollie's going to try and turn this game into a slugfest but I think that Syracuse is a bit more prepared for that this season. I think Frank Howard and Tyus Battle will push the Orange back onto the winning track.
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Andrew Godnick
Syracuse 64, UConn 55
Despite the loss, Syracuse showed their strengths in small spurts against the number two team in the country. Their defense was active for the most-part, but this team will not win games when Frank Howard and Tyus Battle struggle from the field. Look for the defense to once again carry this team to another victory, as Battle and Howard regain their rhythm in the world's most famous arena.
James Szuba
Syracuse 70, UConn 66
UConn ranks fifth from last in the nation in assists per game -- that stat is extremely telling and is a surefire sign of how to lose against a zone. While Jalen Adams, Terry Larrier have posted some impressive stats and Christian Vital has been good in spots, the Huskies fail to play as a unit and prefer to take the ball off the bounce one-on-one. Throw in the fact that Alterique Gilbert isn't 100 percent and I like Syracuse's chance to win. The Orange have played better than expected and hung with the second best team in the country in the second half. Syracuse by two possessions.
John Cassillo
Syracuse 67, UConn 62
For as much as the Kansas game created some concerns, the Huskies don’t pose the same three-point threat as KU. That’s a good thing for us, as it also allows the Orange offense to function a bit more normally (versus what we did last week shooting too many threes). It’s not going to be easy to beat a motivated UConn team, but I’ve got enough faith in Tyus Battle to out-shoot Jalen Adams. SU picks up the win and puts an end to our ridiculous recent struggles in New York City.
Now it’s your turn...
Poll
What will be the outcome of the Syracuse vs. UConn game?
This poll is closed
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46%
Syracuse wins by 10+, ending all nonsensical "sixth borough" talk
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43%
Syracuse wins by 1-9 points and... still fine
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10%
Connecticut wins and we’re not pleased at all