Syracuse vs. Arkansas State: TNIAAM predictions & poll

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team fell for the second consecutive game on Tuesday, this time to the Buffalo Bulls. But on Saturday, they’ll look to end their two-game losing streak with a win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves. SU (7-4) takes on the Red Wolves (5-6) in the Carrier Dome at 2 p.m. ET and you can catch the action on ACC Network Extra.

The TNIAAM team hasn’t done their best in terms of predictions this year, but the season is still (fairly) young, so let’s see what they have to say this time around about the inconsistent Orange:

Bobby Manning

Syracuse 72, Arkansas State 66

It continues to be difficult for me to imagine Syracuse skating by the competition. They’ve consistently locked into close games whether they’re playing Connecticut or Cornell. The last six games state that their offensive upside is little more than 70 points. That could make for an interesting and possibly frustrating bout with the Red Wolves. The Orange should win this game, but the A.K. St. offense draws over 20 fouls per game, which could either damage Syracuse’s rotation or open the door to pairings that finally solidify a largely lifeless SU effort of late. Ty Cockfield (21 points per game) and an offense that shoots a higher three-point percentage than Buffalo could give Syracuse a run for the third straight game. Without any change in their play of late, the formula remains the same for the Orange: hope the defensive activity disrupts the game just enough to slip away in the second half.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 73, Arkansas State 57

After struggling against the Bulls, I think Tyus Battle carriers the Orange to a relatively non-stressful win. The Red Wolves are going to keep it interesting for the first half, but Battle will have one of his explosive second halves, and the Orange will contain Ty Cockfield from the perimeter for the most part. Oshae Brissett will give Syracuse the secondary scoring they need, but this one will be all about Battle for the Orange—as it should be.

James Szuba

Syracuse 71, Arkansas State 65

Syracuse is not good until further notice. But taco time returns after a two game hiatus.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 68, Arkansas State 59

Arkansas State’s far from a great defensive team, allowing nearly 77 points per game this year. Despite Syracuse’s struggles to do much offensively thus far, they should be able to take advantage a bit. Expect a reasonable bounceback from Tyus Battle and perhaps another Orange shooter or two manage to get hot as well. It’ll be far from the prettiest win nonetheless. Still, I expect Jim Boeheim’s team to play with a little fire under them now that they’re offiically in the pressure cooker for the rest of the season.