Syracuse vs. Old Dominion: TNIAAM predictions & poll

After coming off of a miraculous comeback win against the Georgetown Hoyas, the Syracuse Orange will look to make it six in a row with a win over the Old Dominion Monarchs; the Monarchs come in at 7-3 and are also on a five-game winning streak.

The TNIAAM team went perfect again in the Georgetown game, so let’s see what the “experts” have to say this time around.

Dylan Finer

Syracuse 68, Old Dominion 58

There’s a chance that Syracuse fans are scratching the backs of their heads come half time wondering why their team is having such trouble putting the ball in the basket. Old Dominion is no joke on the defensive side of the ball. They have physical guards that move their feet well and a pair of seven foot big men that will protect the rim. The Orange will ultimately find a way to win, but the Monarchs might hang around a bit longer than Syracuse fans would like.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 68, Old Dominion 54

This is a prime example of what could be a letdown game for the Orange after coming off of an emotional win, but the second half version of Tyus Battle that we saw against the Hoyas will return for all 40 minutes in this one. The Monarchs have some players that could give the Orange trouble, but a few big shots from Battle and Oshae Brissett late will give the Orange their sixth straight win.

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 66, Old Dominion 61

The Monarchs are 27th in Ken Pom’s defensive efficiency ratings and play at a slower tempo so look for one of those grind it out games on Saturday afternoon. B.J. Stith is ODU’s best all-around player and the Virginia transfer will try to out-duel Tyus Battle. These games during finals are always tricky, but I think Syracuse makes the plays in the final minutes to secure a win.

James Szuba

Syracuse 70, Old Dominion 56

While it might be a slight surprise to some, Old Dominion is sneaky good on the defensive side of the ball and has held three teams to under 50 points this season. BJ Stith and Ahmad Caver give out buckets and both can fill it up from downtown. Syracuse will have to limit and key in on those guys within the zone, but I think a week off serves the guys well and they come out to handle business before facing an undefeated Buffalo team next week. Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett do the heavy lifting per usual in the scoring column. It’ll be important to see some improvement from the center position in this game but ODU has two 7-foot big men. I’ll be keeping an eye on the point guard spot, too.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 74, Old Dominion 58

B.J. Stith is a threat on the boards and from outside, so right off the bat, he’s poised to give Syracuse the most problems. As a team, the Monarchs hit threes at a 35-percent clip, which should concern. Georgetown was able to make shots from outside against this zone, despite having little hint of ability there, so a (more likely) hot-shooting day from ODU could be immediately problematic for Syracuse. The Orange should be able to win the battle on the boards and an advantage there should lead to a win against a slower-paced squad like Old Dominion. If SU can get a lead against the Monarchs, they’re not necessarily equipped to come back. But that requires the sort of opening that Syracuse has rarely managed this year.

Now it’s your turn...