Syracuse vs. Colgate: TNIAAM predictions & poll

Last week in New York City went as poorly as it could have for the Syracuse Orange, as the men’s basketball team dropped both of its games in the 2K Classic. The offense showed resemblance to last year’s, as it was stagnant and lacked any perimeter shooting.

The season is still young for the Orange, and they still have many quality opponents on their schedule to make up for last week’s performances, but it all starts with the games they’re supposed to win, and that starts with the Colgate Raiders back in the Carrier Dome.

Dylan Finer

Syracuse 74, Colgate 58

Colgate shot 35 threes when they came to the Dome last year. I expect them to attack the 2-3 zone more traditionally this year due to their reliance on their forwards which will ultimately hurt them offensively. The Orange should get back on track on Wednesday.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 70, Colgate 50

Syracuse did not have the best week to say the least, but that doesn’t mean everything is over for this talented bunch. The Orange are back in the dome as they take on a team they’ve had success with in the past. Look for Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett to look to get back on track with aggressive play from the tip, as the Orange pick up a much-needed win.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 73, Colgate 57

After the “Catastrophe in the City” last week I expect to see an angry Syracuse team. I think we all know the last few days of practices have probably been a bit unpleasant for Syracuse. Look for the Orange to ramp up the defensive intensity and use the press as a weapon to get some easy looks. Colgate seems to be a decent opponent this year, but I think they are bound to run into trouble in the Dome.

James Szuba

Syracuse 79, Colgate 55

Frank Howard might return in this contest but ultimately the decision will fall on Jim Boeheim. If he does, I suspect he’ll be slightly out of rhythm without early season reps, but if he doesn’t Syracuse is good enough to win this game without him. Expect to see a better Syracuse team than what we saw last week down at MSG. Colgate’s top three guys can really shoot it and Jack Ferguson shot 6-12 from three last year against the Orange. Defending the perimeter will be a key for SU but I think the defense will tighten the screws which will allow the Orange to get some easy buckets in transition. Still, I think the issues in the half-court offense linger to varying degrees, but Syracuse is good enough to get things going offensively in isolation instances. Syracuse by 20+ and free tacos for CNY.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 75, Colgate 69

Colgate’s started out pretty hot offensively this season, going 4-1 while averaging 79 points per game. That should be at least a little troubling for a Syracuse team that just limped its way through the last three contests. The Raiders will shoot threes at a high volume to try and extend the zone a bit, but they don’t have the bodies to take advantage of space inside. Still, beware of JACK GODDAMN FERGUSON. SU gets a scare put into them... hopefully this one wakes them up with a week to prepare for Ohio State.

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