Syracuse vs. Miami: TNIAAM predictions and poll

The Syracuse Orange (13-5, 4-1) avoided a disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers following their win over the Duke Blue Devils, and now the Orange will look to make it three wins in a row as the Miami Hurricanes (9-8, 1-4) come to the Carrier Dome.

With a matchup with the No. 10 Virginia Tech Hokies following the Miami showdown, this is a prime opportunity for Syracuse to have a letdown game. Let’s see if the TNIAAM team thinks that’ll be the case, though, at 8 p.m. ET tonight.

Bobby Manning

Syracuse 76, Miami 60

Another ACC win. All the rest. I don’t want to play down an opponent but this Hurricanes season’s been sad to watch between their Ivy League losing streak, eligibility concerns and sinking to the bottom of the league they competed in at a high level last year. Syracuse beat last year’s NBA talent-laden roster on the road so this year’s struggling squad should be manageable at home. I know to expect the unexpected with the Orange, but I’m not forecasting a surprise here. SU needs this one with a tricky road trip ahead.

Dylan Finer

Syracuse 73, Miami 65

How does one logically construct an argument to pick against this red-hot (Orange, rather) Syracuse team other than to say that it would be very “Syracuse” of this team to fumble this game away. Could Miami go full-Georgia Tech by slowing the game down and being efficient on the offensive end? It wouldn’t be shocking. They also have plenty of capable shooters. If Syracuse wins, this team is finally starting to click and is taking care of business by winning the games they should win. If Syracuse loses, the team forfeits all the momentum they have been building since their win against Duke. Narratives.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 70, Miami 60

The Hurricanes have five players who average double figures in scoring, so this one should be in question for the most part. With multiple shooters for Miami, the Syracuse zone will need to be at its best in order for the Orange to come out with the win. I see Tyus Battle being able to pick apart the Miami defense, as a late second half run leads the Orange to their third straight win.

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 72, Miami 68

Miami is struggling this year but they have talent at positions which typically cause problems for the Orange zone. Chris Lykes is a small, but quick point guard that Syracuse must keep from getting in the lane and Ebuka Izundu is 3rd in the ACC in rebounding. The Hurricanes feature three of the top 25 3-pt shooters in the conference so the Syracuse zone needs to be aware and look to force Miami into turnovers. This is a game where the Orange playing at a slower tempo can be an advantage, but Syracuse must win the rebounding battle in order to do so.

Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

James Szuba

Syracuse 75, Miami 64

Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, you are about to witness the greatest show in ACC basketball outside of Zion Williamson doing inhumane things to people who oppose him at the rim. No, I’m not talking about Jack White bricking 10 threes in a single game or Jim Boeheim tossing his jacket. I’m talking about all 5-foot-7 of Chris Lykes giving out buckets, dropping dimes, picking pockets and taking charges.

And while I’m only half kidding, Chris Lykes is one of the best players in the ACC and he’s an absolute pleasure to watch. That said, Miami has been plagued by a lack of depth (last season Syracuse can empathize) and struggle down the stretch in close games.

I think Syracuse will continue its hot play of late and cruise to a relatively easy victory at home. The Canes won’t have enough fire power to get stops on Tyus Battle and look for Paschal Chukwu to keep building. This will be an important game for the forwards to get going before heading down to Virginia Tech this weekend. Syracuse by double-digits in this one and back-to-back Taco Time outings.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 74, Miami 68

If Syracuse can just take a similar approach to the offense as they have the last couple games, they should be able to take this one. Miami’s not an amazing defensive club (112th, per KenPom), and they don’t have a ton of presence inside beyond Ebuka Izundu, so that sets up the Orange well to attack the rim. As long as SU’s willing to take the ball inside and not attempt to rely on the recent hot shooting from outside, it should make for an impressive home win. Just watch out for Dejan Vasiljevic lighting us up from three again.