Syracuse vs. Virginia Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (15-7, 4-5) could really use a bounce-back game after a listless offensive effort against Georgia Tech on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Virginia Cavaliers (21-1, 10-0) don’t appear to be the team to facilitate such a rebound for the Orange. But stranger things have happened in this matchup...

You can watch Syracuse vs. Virginia at 4 p.m. ET on your local ACC Network affiliate or ACC Network Extra, unless you’re at the Carrier Dome — in which case, enjoy the in-person action from your seat.

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

Kevin Wall

Virginia 59, Syracuse 53

The way that Virginia is rolling right now I have a hard time predicting an Orange upset. This seems like a game where the lack of depth is evident and Syracuse falls just short of a big win. It is imperative that Syracuse limits turnovers if they want to hand Virginia their 1st ACC loss, you cannot afford to give up possessions when the tempo is going to be slow.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 57, Virginia 56

Call me crazy. Call me biased. None of that deters me from take the Orange to get their number one marquee win of the season. It’s going to be a Carrier Dome classic as the backcourt of Frank Howard and Tyus Battle leads the way. It’ll come down to the wire, but a game winner from Howard will get the Orange a must needed win.

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

James Szuba

Virginia 62, Syracuse 56

Something tells me Syracuse is going to do something completely irrational and win this game against Virginia, but my mind also tells me that the Syracuse offense has struggled mightily and Virginia boasts the best defense in the Ken Pom era. Syracuse should play good enough defense to remain competitive here but I don’t expect a scenario similar to last year as much as Syracuse could use the win.

John Cassillo

Virginia 65, Syracuse 61

Depth issues and poor shooting have told the story of every loss, and it’s likely they tell the tale of this one too. Syracuse is at its best when pressing Virginia, but it’s tough to do that when you’re on tired legs. And while the Orange won’t shoot the miserable 30 percent they did against Georgia Tech, it’s unlikely they hit 50 percent (which Louisville did in its most recent loss to UVA) either. SU figures out a way to test them, but just can’t get enough shots to fall -- incredibly problematic in a game with limited possessions.

Now it’s your turn...