Syracuse vs. Clemson: TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

Last time out against the Clemson Tigers, things didn’t go well for the Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team. This time around, they absolutely need to go better if SU has any chance to make it to the NCAA Tournament (as an at-large team, of course). Monday night’s win over UNC helps. But it’s just part of the larger case that needs to be made for bracket inclusion.

Can Syracuse get the win they need here? Before this one tips off from the Dome Stadium at 5 p.m ET, the TNIAAM staff makes its picks.

Kevin

Syracuse 65, Clemson 61

Much like UNC, Clemson is going to likely win the rebounding battle and get their share of offensive boards doing so. In order to get this needed win Syracuse will need to stress patience and movement on offense. You’re sick of us talking about it but the facts show that the Orange are more successful when they are sharing the ball and getting better shot attempts. I’m not sure Kadary Richmond is going to be 100% but it feels like Joe Girard takes advantage and finds his range against Clemson again. It’s another chaotic finish but the Orange do just enough to hold on.

Christian

Syracuse 70, Clemson 68

I forgot about the shooting boost that Syracuse gets at the Carrier Dome this year. The Orange are so much more comfortable playing games in Central New York and it shows on the court. Syracuse will need to get into a shooting rhythm against one of the better defensive teams in the country. Maybe some of that Carrier Dome magic returns. What I will say is that this prediction is going off the assumption that Quincy Guerrier and Kadary Richmond are okay to play. If both can’t go, the Orange are spiraling towards a loss.

Szuba

Clemson 69, Syracuse 67

Not nice. Expect this game to get played in the 60s as Clemson brings its stout defense into the dome. Syracuse should play Clemson much closer this time around, but it’s hard to unsee what happened in the first meeting. We also don’t know how the beleaguered Quincy Guerrier and Kadary Richmond bounce back from their bruises; this will be Syracuse’s third game in five days. Vice Principal Brownell gets it done in a rock fight for Clemson’s sixth straight win.

John

Clemson 74, Syracuse 69

Last time out, Syracuse was killed on the boards, but it was arguably the uncharacteristic outside shooting display from Clemson — 43.5% vs. a season average of 33.1% — that made the biggest difference. If the Orange zone can make things more difficult in the paint, that’ll force the Tigers outside where they’re not nearly as comfortable. There’s always the chance they get hot like last time. But that’s a risk worth taking. I just don’t know if it’ll be enough to net the win against this streaking Tigers squad.

Now it’s your turn...