Can the Orange get back in the win column?
The Syracuse Orange (3-2) are back in action tonight at 7 on ACCNX/Watch ESPN to face the Cornell Big Red (4-2) at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Here’s what we’re predicting tonight:
Kevin: Syracuse 84, Cornell 77
I’m not sure either team will defend tonight, but playing at a faster tempo should suit the Orange. I don’t think Cornell has the inside presence to slow down Eddie Lampkin, but Syracuse is going to have to defend the arc and find a way to force more turnovers than they commit. The Orange need to find a way to make some open jumpers before they head to Tennessee next week.
Dom: Syracuse 83, Cornell 73
Similar to last year, this feels like a game where things will be close in the first half, but a scoring burst by the Orange sometime after halftime just makes their margin too much for Cornell to storm back from. The Big Red have scored 81 points in all but one of their six games so far, and Syracuse’s defense will certainly be tested, but it’s the offense that gets the job done. You’re hoping Syracuse’s interior scoring and potential fastbreak offense can withstand Cornell getting hot from three.
Mike: Syracuse 80, Cornell 71
Cornell is a team that rotates players a lot and I think those fresh bodies will keep them in this game, but they are not built to handle a strong inside game. If SU can operate through Lampkin, keep the ball secure and make the easy shots, they should build a comfortable lead down the stretch.
Max: Syracuse 88, Cornell 76
While the Big Red have had success playing fast, this is easily their toughest test of the early season. Defense hasn’t been a strong suit for this Orange team, but playing Texas and Texas Tech close should give Syracuse some confidence coming home to the Dome. A few dry spells from the Cornell offense, complemented by SU thriving on the fast break, will be the difference tonight.
Szuba: Syracuse 95, Cornell 79
Look for this game to be played at a frenetic pace. Syracuse looked the part of an improving team last week, so one would think that improved effort and focus would carry over to a game such this. Syracuse will likely have lapses defensively but I think the offense continues to carry the team against a lacking Big Red defense. The Orange bounce back behind big guns in JJ Starling, Lampkin and Donnie Freeman.
Sam: Syracuse 86, Cornell 80
Cornell can put a strain on Syracuse’s transition defense, but the Orange should be able to control the glass, and convert second-chance opportunities. What we’ve learned so far about this SU team is that it will win close games when it is the more talented team, and lose close games when it is the less talented team. I expect this trend to hold up.
****************************************************************************************
Now it’s your turn