Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (12-6, 1-4) have now lost four straight in ACC play. However, there’s hope this evening as they return home against the lowly Pittsburgh Panthers (8-10, 0-5). You may not have noticed, but Pitt’s become a pretty bad basketball team at this point.

You can watch Syracuse vs. Pitt at 9 p.m. ET (why so late???) on your local RSN or ACC Network Extra.

So what does (some of) the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 74, Pitt 63

If the Orange can continue to get the ball movement we saw in the second half on Saturday this should be a comfortable win. The Panthers should allow Syracuse to get back on the winning track, but Syracuse must remain focused as this game is incredibly important for a team clinging to a NCAA bid. It’s the kind of bad loss that the Orange didn’t avoid last year and with ACC wins at a premium it’s up to Frank Howard and Tyus Battle to lead this team down the stretch.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 71, Pitt 64

There’s nothing like a rivalry game, so don’t expect the Orange to win this one convincingly. Expect there to be some early struggles on offense for Syracuse, but a second half run led by Tyus Battle will be enough to pull this one out.

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

James Szuba

Syracuse 68 , Pitt 54

Pitt is yet to win a game in the ACC. As if things couldn’t get any tougher, the Panthers lost senior Ryan Luther who has been a four-year player at Pitt. Although Syracuse has lost four straight, the Orange are playing better and have fought hard in road losses to Virginia and Florida State. Syracuse now has a chance to come home and turn the page. I think they do that starting tonight.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 74, Pitt 60

The Panthers aren’t a great perimeter team and only have one consistent shooter, in Jared Wilson-Frame. However, Wilson-Frame isn’t overly efficient and Pitt’s also questionable from beyond the arc. Even if Syracuse didn’t find their own scoring stroke beyond the last game vs. Florida State, they should be alright against a questionable Panthers’ defense. SU ends the losing streak, for now.

Now it’s your turn...