Syracuse vs. Wake Forest Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (16-8, 5-6) pulled off a needed upset on Monday, but now they need to keep that momentum going when the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-15, 2-10) come to town. As you may recall, SU unfortunately lost to Wake early in ACC play. The Deacons haven’t done much since. That doesn’t do us any favors.

You can watch Syracuse vs. Wake Forest at 1 p.m. ET on your local ACC Network affiliate or ACC Network Extra, if you’re not at the Carrier Dome.

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

Andy Pregler

Syracuse 64, Wake Forest 58

Wake isn’t actually all that good, but Cuse’s depth issues keep this one close. That being said, I think the offense has finally figured out how to move the ball enough for open looks and limit risky shots early from ineffective shooters enough to see the Orange pull ahead at the half and then play “bang rocks until someone wins” in the second half.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 75, Wake Forest 66

There is nothing better than a revenge game, and the Orange need this revenge game more than ever. Coming off of an impressive road win at Louisville, Syracuse will need to continue attacking the rim if they want to stay on the bubble.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 64, Wake Forest 60

The Orange are going to need to give Frank Howard and Tyus Battle some help against Wake this weekend. Sloppy play down the stretch cost Syracuse a win in the first meeting so I think being home will be enough to propel the Orange. Avoiding foul trouble is going to be a key the rest of the way so Syracuse needs to be smart as I expect teams will be looking to get Pascal Chukwu to the sidelines early.

James Szuba

Syracuse 62, Wake Forest 57

After getting a much needed marquee win on the road at Louisville, Syracuse will win its second straight in a revenge game at home against Wake. Frank and Tyus shouldn’t have much trouble scoring while Dolezaj continues his solid play as a starter. This time around Syracuse closes things out down the stretch.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 66, Wake Forest 62

Now, Syracuse SHOULD be well rested and ready to go in this one, given the six-day break. However, the Deacons have faced this team already and theoretically know how to beat the zone enough to win. If the offense looked anything like it did on Monday vs. Louisville, SU should be alright. If threes aren’t falling and we’re hitting 35 percent or less of our shots again (just move the ball well, please!), things will take a turn. Hopefully Wake’s 5-65 record on the road since 2010 holds true.

Now it’s your turn