Syracuse men’s basketball vs. Georgetown: TNIAAM predictions & poll

The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team (5-4, 1-1) got back on track last weekend against Georgia Tech. But after a week off for finals, they’ll need to find a way to keep it going against the hated Georgetown Hoyas (6-3, 0-0).

When we last saw Georgetown, Tyus Battle was busy ripping their hearts out and stomping them on the Dome floor. And the last time we played the Hoyas down in D.C., we did something similar via comeback overtime win. Can the Orange make it three straight victories over Georgetown?

Before the game tips off at 1 p.m. ET on FOX this Saturday, we asked the TNIAAM staff to predict what they think will happen.

Dave Stone

Syracuse 75, Georgetown 68

I don’t think this game will be a blowout either way. I think these two teams are fairly evenly matched. If Georgetown hadn’t lost James Akinjo and Josh Leblanc, I would have given the Hoyas the edge. But those two accounted for 26% of the Hoyas overall points and their best playmaker in Akinjo. It is still going to be tough sledding for the Orange, especially on the interior against Omer Yurtseven. The Orange are going to need to continue making shots like they did against Georgia Tech. I think this is a game where Joe Girard gets hot and his energy becomes contagious, leading to a huge second half and a third straight victory over arch-nemesis Georgetown.

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Austin Lamb

Georgetown 73, Syracuse 65

This Georgetown team is hard to figure out. Like Syracuse, it lost to Penn State. But the Hoyas also have some quality performances. They beat Texas and played Duke closely in the 2K Classic, and then after losing to UNC-Greensboro and dismissing two key players from the team, won two road games against previously undefeated Oklahoma State and SMU. The Orange, who also surprised in their last game, should make the rivalry game close, and the result, I think, hinges on Georgetown’s ability to stop Syracuse from the perimeter and the latter’s defense against Omer Yurtseven inside. Unfortunately, the Orange will prove that last Saturday was a mirage, and will lose on the road to the Hoyas.

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 65, Georgetown 63

I think the key to this game will be how well Syracuse can rebound the ball. Georgetown wants to play at a much faster tempo than the Orange so securing possessions and being able to set up the zone will be important. Can the Orange guards keep Mac McClung out of the lane? If he’s able to drive it’s going to open up better looks for the Hoyas- especially Yurtseven. Syracuse would be smart to try and drive at the Georgetown center early to see if they can get him in quick foul trouble.

James Szuba

Georgetown 75, Syracuse 69

Despite losing James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc, Georgetown has managed to win its last two games (on the road nonetheless) over Oklahoma State and SMU. I expect Mac McClung to go off this game and for Omer Yurtseven to have his way down low to the tune of a double-double. Elijah Hughes might be the best player in this game — and look for his leadership and solid play to continue — but Syracuse’s hot shooting from a week ago cools down and Georgetown controls the glass to get the win at home.

John Cassillo

Georgetown 70, Syracuse 65

Woof. It’s just too difficult to expect Syracuse to replicate the Georgia Tech performance, and for whatever reason, Georgetown’s figured something out while losing players. Don’t think this is a good Hoya team, mind you. But with Omer Yurtseven doing whatever he wants against the Orange bigs, they may only need a solid outside game from Mac McClung to get the job done. Early foul trouble will spell doom for SU, unfortunately, though they still manage to make it a game down the stretch.

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