Syracuse basketball vs. Cornell: TNIAAM predictions & poll

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team is back in action after going 2-0 last week and will look to continue its progress tonight against Cornell. The Boeheim vs. Boehiem and Boeheim Classic is back for a second year (Buddy missed Jimmy’s first year in the Carrier Dome) with much intrigue.

The Orange offense will look to keep making strides while the 2-3 zone is still a work in progress. With that, the TNIAAM staff gathered ‘round for our predictions on the game.

Dave Stone

SU 76 - Cornell 51

I think the offense will not be as potent as it was against Seattle, but will still look great against inferior competition. Joe Girard won’t go Steph Curry again, but will be productive and keep the offense moving, which is exactly what we need from him every game. I think this is the game that Elijah Hughes breaks out for 20+. He’s looked good in the early season as a playmaker, often passing up tough shots to get better looks for his teammates. He’s also missed a lot of open 3’s himself, including a few that went halfway down against Seattle. Tonight, they drop and Syracuse pulls away early. Buddy also bounces back with a solid offensive game, and we get at least one more “wow” play each from Marek Dolezaj and Quincy Guerrier.

Austin Lamb (No relation to Anthony)

Syracuse 85, Cornell 61

Since Joe Girard III stepped onto the court a few minutes into the Colgate game, Syracuse has impressed offensively in two straight wins. That continues against a Cornell team that ranks 306th in defensive efficiency on KenPom. The Big Red also haven’t rebounded or shot the ball well this season, so it’s hard to see them having success in any particular area against the Orange. Jimmy Boeheim might find his spots in the zone to score, but Cornell lacks a player like Matt Morgan to command all the defensive attention. The Orange jump out to an early lead and control both sides of the ball against another inferior opponent, and the team with two Boeheims wins.

Bobby Manning

Syracuse 85 - Cornell 55

This one could be the biggest walkthrough on Syracuse’s schedule. I know it’s never this easy for the Orange, but Cornell does not bring significant size, shooting, or talent into the Dome. Jimmy Boeheim leads the Big Red in scoring, and he’s shooting well under 30% from outside. They’ve lost to NJIT and Bryant, and the Orange found an offensive rhythm against Seattle that propelled them to nearly 90 points. Their opponents have only attempted 90 threes, but hit 37%. Joe Girard and Buddy Boeheim get loose often against this team, while Bourama Sidibe cleans up inside enough times to propel the Orange to one of their biggest victories in recent memory. SU enters over 20-point favorites. On to Bucknell.

The one question: do Carey and Guerrier finally get let loose when the threat of a loss disappears?

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 75 - Cornell 61

Cornell has struggled to start their 1st season without Money Matt Morgan and I don’t think they will get back on track against the Orange. Jimmy Boeheim might win the individual battle against his Little Buddy but it’ll take Thurston Howell McCarty, the Skipper and the Professor to slow down Elijah Hughes and Bourama Sidibe. By the end of the night the Big Red will be wishing their three hour tour went someplace other than The Dome.

James Szuba

Syracuse 81 - Cornell 58

This one really shouldn’t be close, but Syracuse will have to improve defensively over what it did against Seattle. The Orange will have to slow down leading scorer Jimmy Boeheim (!) and Terrance McBride, but shouldn’t have too much trouble containing the rest of the Big Red. Syracuse shouldn’t have issues scoring on offense against a poor Cornell defense, so look for SU to keep firing with Joe Girard at the point and for Buddy Boeheim, Marek Dolezaj and Quincy Guerrier to build off of their recent play. This could be the type of game where Elijah Hughes erupts to get 20+ for the first time this season. Perhaps most importantly, will we see Jalen Carey tonight?

John Cassillo

Syracuse 84 - Cornell 64

Syracuse barely covers in a game that maybe gets nerve-wracking for 10 minutes before the Orange pull away via size advantage and hitting more shots from outside. There are only a handful of bigs on the Big Red roster, which could generate some opportunities for Marek Dolezaj and Bourama Sidibe inside. Don’t think this is the most likely Cornell team to pull an upset, though maybe Jimmy Boeheim’s hot shooting helps keep it closer than expected.

Now it’s your turn...