Syracuse vs. Colgate Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (7-1) return home this weekend for a matchup with their long-time used-to-be-rival, the Colgate Raiders (3-5). We’ve won 51 straight against ‘Gate, and while anything can happen in a basketball game, SU seems to be playing at a level indicative of a 52nd consecutive victory in this series.

You can watch Syracuse vs. Colgate at 2 p.m. ET on the ACC Network (check your local listings) or WatchESPN.

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

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 82, Colgate 61

This game shouldn't be close, but there are some things for Orange fans to keep an eye on. Bourama Sidibe's been dealing with knee and ankle injuries and no one's sure if Tyus Battle's back at 100% so putting this away early would be ideal. This should also be an opportunity to get Howard Washington extended minutes and I'd like to see how him and Frank Howard on the court at the same time. When Syracuse faces pressure defenses they might need to play these guys together so it would benefit to see if they can be effective.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 84, Colgate 61

The Orange are coming off of an impressive and resume building win, and the momentum will continue into the matchup on Saturday. The length and size of Syracuse will be too much for Colgate to handle as Tyus Battle's dynamic scoring arsenal, along with an improved performance from Frank Howard will propel the Orange to an 8-1 start.

Bobby Manning

Syracuse 86, Colgate 58

The Orange need a breather after three difficult games and they’re getting it this weekend before finals kick off. As Tyus Battle continues to hit his stride, Oshae Brissett slowly grows more efficient and Matthew Moyer finally breaks out of his “horrible” season as Boeheim put it, Syracuse is in a good position to throttle 3-5 Colgate. The Raiders’ tallest player is 6'9" and they have lost to the likes of Albany. SHOULD be a walk-through Saturday afternoon.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 85, Colgate 66

The Orange are just too long for Colgate on the defensive end. And even if we assume someone (Jack Ferguson) goes off from three, that’s not going to be enough to stop Tyus Battle and Co. on the opposite end. Syracuse is able to push out to a big lead at half, then coast the rest of the way. With luck, we don’t have to see Bourama Sidibe at all and he can get some rest for Georgetown next weekend.

Now it’s your turn...