As must win as a non-conference game can get
The Syracuse Orange (5-6) are back in action and hopefully ready to deliver some post-Christmas gifts to fans when they host the Bucknell Bison (4-8). Tip off is at 2:00 on The CW and here’s what we expect.
Kevin: Syracuse 84, Bucknell 69
The Orange are not going to convince fans of anything with a win in this game, but if they come out strong and take control over a weaker opponent it will at least show that maybe this team hasn’t quit on the season. I’m once again imploring Adrian Autry to dial up the pressure on defense and try and get this team running. I think this group needs to stop thinking about every move and get back to playing and attacking the basket. Siena beat this team by 13 so I know everyone will be looking at this final score for a comparison….
Dom: Syracuse 87, Bucknell 67
Maybe I’m aiming a bit too high with the final predicted margin of victory here (and really want to see some redemption from that ugly Maryland game). On the other hand, Syracuse should be able to pound the rock inside and at the bare minimum win with points in the paint and rebounding. The other hope is specifically for Chris Bell, this could be the game he gets his 15 points and makes a few threes fans can feel good about before the ACC slate begins.
Mike: Syracuse 82, Bucknell 68
The good news: SU will get back to .500 before the new year by winning here. The bad news: it probably won’t change the downward trajectory of this season. Enjoy the brief reprieve around the Holidays, Orange Nation. You’ve got a more important game in a few hours, too.
Max: Syracuse 75, Bucknell 65
This is the last non-con matchup for the Orange this season, and to say it’s been a disappointment so far is an understatement. The Bison will hang around in this one, but believe it or not, they actually shoot worse than the Orange. Bell finally gets into a rhythm from distance and helps Syracuse ring in the new year and ACC play with a double-digit win.
Sam: Syracuse 79, Bucknell 66
At this point, I’m just throwing some numbers at the wall and hoping something sticks. Will it be pretty? Probably not. But Syracuse will have what it takes to get the job done.
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Now it’s your turn