Syracuse Basketball: Predictions for opener vs. Eastern Washington

Adam Patrick

Prediction: Syracuse wins 76-60

On paper, this is a game that the Orange should have no problem winning. But Eastern Washington is not a team that Syracuse should be underestimating at all on Tuesday.

The Eagles did lose their top scorer from last season, but they will still have three players on the court against the Orange that shot over 40 percent from three-point range in 2017-18. If Eastern Washington starts hitting shots from the outside on Tuesday, Syracuse could be in some trouble.

Despite the Eagles’ potential to get hot from the outside, the Orange’s smothering defense should be able to prevent any sort of upset possibility. Syracuse has just about everyone back from a team that gave up an average of just 63.8 points per game to their opponents a season ago (10th-best in the nation).

The Orange could be without a true point guard against Eastern Washington. But junior Tyus Battle proved during Syracuse’s two recent exhibition matchups that he’s fully capable of taking over the duties at the point if necessary.

Although the Eagles have the slight potential to leave the Carrier Dome with an upset victory on Tuesday, the Orange’s experience and overall advantage in talent should be more than enough for them to open up the 2018-19 season with a win.