The Syracuse Orange (17-7, 8-3) are about to enter the toughest part of their season, beginning with a road matchup against the North Carolina State Wolfpack (17-7, 5-6).
The Wolfpack have been struggling as of late, losing three of their last four games; their last two wins, victories over Pittsburgh and Clemson respectively, have been by a combined five points. SU took care of business against Boston College on Saturday. Now let’s see if the “experts” think Syracuse can make it back-to-back wins and guarantee a better finish in league play than last year’s 8-10 mark.
Andrew Godnick
NC State 71, Syracuse 70
This is going to be a heartbreaking loss on the road for the Orange, as they come just short of pulling off the impressive road win. Despite NC State’s recent struggles, they still bowed a talented team led by Torin Dorn. Syracuse gets the perimeter help they need, but a few big-time shots from the Wolfpack is what makes the different late in this one.
Kevin Wall
NC State 75, Syracuse 70
The Orange have been a better road team in ACC play, but they are going to have to play well to win in Raleigh. Kevin Keatts’ team will pressure Syracuse and the Orange will need to limit turnovers and try to keep the game at a slower tempo. Torin Dorn leads the Wolfpack in scoring and rebounding and he’ll be the one who pushes NC State to a close win.
James Szuba
NC State 75, Syracuse 69
While NC State has lost three of its last four games, the losses have been to three of the best teams in country (Virginia, Virginia Tech, North Carolina). I think NC State will rebound (literally) at home and pick up a close win over Syracuse. The Wolfpack rank No. 8 in the country in offensive rebounding percentage and I suspect that will come into play against the 2-3 zone that doesn’t have blockout responsibilities. That, and NC State shoots it well from three — 37.0 percent as a team to be exact.
Syracuse should have good games from Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett who have been consistent through this recent stretch of games, but ultimately NC State shoots it well against the zone and second chance points come back to cost SU in the end.
John Cassillo
NC State 74, Syracuse 71
I’d love to pick Syracuse here, and I really hope I’m wrong regarding the close call above. But State has been a strong offensive team for much of the season (Virginia Tech debacle aside), and have too much firepower with six different players putting up 8.5 points per game or more. By comparison, SU has three such players, and are prone to going cold for long stretches. It’s a competitive game, but the Orange haven’t shot consistently enough for me to think they pull this game off.
Poll
Who will win the Syracuse vs. NC State game?
This poll is closed
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72%
The Orange, and we’re one step closer to the NCAA Tournament
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27%
The Wolfpack, and Syracuse is still searching for another resumé boosting win