Syracuse vs. Boston College: TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

After both picking up some losses earlier in the week during the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, the Syracuse Orange (3-1, 0-0) and Boston College Eagles (1-4, 0-0) men’s basketball teams are back in action against one another this Saturday. For Syracuse, it’s the second straight road game. While Boston College is playing their first home game of the year.

Before this one tips off on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET on ESPNU, what does the TNIAAM staff think is going to happen?

Ajayi

Syracuse 78, BC 60

Things we have to look out for against Boston College is Syracuse getting back their offensive rhythm after going cold to close against Rutgers. To me that was the difference between winning and losing. The last five minutes. I predict that the Orange will do just that and get back to their winning ways in a blow out win against BC.

Christian

Syracuse 80, BC 76

Assuming he’s fully ready to go, Buddy Boeheim might make a huge difference in this game. Not so much his three-point shot, but his ability to drive inside and hit a mid-range jumper could give the Orange the interior boost it needs to spread out the Eagles and open up better looks. Perhaps his return can help with some communication at the top of the zone as limit the Eagles somewhat from three. If BC can’t hit from range, Syracuse should win easily. If the Eagles stay consistent, the Orange might be in for a war.

James

Syracuse 75, BC 72

Boston College is a tough read. The Eagles brought Villanova to the brink and beat a tough Rhode Island team, but looked out of sorts against St. John’s and Florida before taking Minnesota to overtime on the road. I’ll give Syracuse the slight edge here with Buddy Boeheim returning and the Orange front-court outmanning BC. The 2-3 zone still gives up some open looks and rebounds, but Quincy Guerrier finishes with a double-double while Marek Dolezaj and Kadary Richmond stuff the stat sheet in the Orange’s fifth straight win over Boston College. The Orange-Eagle trophy remains in the 315.

Kevin

Syracuse 75, BC 70

This seems like a game where Syracuse will struggle to put away the pesky Eagles. Buddy Boeheim’s return will allow for another offensive threat and I think the Orange need him to help open up the interior for Quincy Guerrier. This is a game where Syracuse needs to work the ball inside to get Steffon Mitchell in foul trouble and use their depth at forward to get back on the winning track.

John

Syracuse 78, BC 68

Since it seems like Buddy’s back, that should mean at least two capable weapons from outside (Buddy and Alan Griffin), plus a variety of other shooters that Syracuse has been able to put on the floor, who should continue to improve in this game. Boston College’s defense hasn’t shown itself to be overly capable, so that should create plenty of opportunities. The question will be whether SU can stop the Eagles’ own offense, which has actually been shooting pretty well this year (45% from the floor, 34% from three). I think the Orange make enough stops to get the win.

Now it’s your turn...