Josh Peelman 1-0
Prediction: Syracuse wins 72-65
Syracuse played well in their first win of the season over Eastern Washington. The talent is off the charts, but putting it all together will be a challenge for Jim Boeheim this season.
In addition, the fact that the point guards who are back are still not at full strength is concerning if Tyus Battle has to keep running the point. Tyus is a great leader but he’s no point guard. He thrives as a scorer of the ball and playing the point is limiting the ceiling Syracuse has. Until Frank Howard, Howard Washington and Jalen Carey get up to full strength or close to this team will not be as good as we know they are capable of being.
Now maybe I’m crazy but I see this game as a trap game. Syracuse will come in thinking it will be an easy win. However, I’ve seen Morehead State play in the past and they are anything but easy. They are scrappy with tenacious defense and have decent length. Even though they’re the underdog I think they’ll come in trying to steal a big win.
They probably will come up short as I predicted but the Orange should be ready for a fight. Hopefully Oshae Brissett comes up with another huge game to get the Orange past the stingy Eagles. It should be a fun and tight game, but I’m not expecting a rout. Orange win but it won’t feel good afterwards.