Inside the Loud House
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Syracuse Basketball: Predictions for contest vs. UConn

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Christian Vital #1 and Amida Brimah #35 of the Connecticut Huskies battle for control of the ball against Ray Featherston #35 and Tyler Lydon #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the Tire Pros Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2016 in New York City. Connecticut defeated Syracuse 52-50 (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 05: Christian Vital #1 and Amida Brimah #35 of the Connecticut Huskies battle for control of the ball against Ray Featherston #35 and Tyler Lydon #20 of the Syracuse Orange during the Tire Pros Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2016 in New York City. Connecticut defeated Syracuse 52-50 (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Mat Mlodzinski (2-0)

Prediction: Syracuse wins 67-62

Unfortunately, these games are never close. The last two times these two faced off at the Garden, neither team has shot above 45%. This year may be different, as Cuse shouldn’t be as offensively challenged as in past years.

With that being said, the Orange have had their struggles through the first two games, largely in part to no Frank Howard. If he comes, back, this could change, but unfortunately I wouldn’t bet on that just yet.

Connecticut on the other side, has been scoring at a high rate, averaging close to 90 PPG through their first two games. I see this changing against a Syracuse team that will definitely test them with a 2-3 zone that most of the Huskies have yet to see. Expect UConn to play VERY hard.

This is Dan Hurley’s first shot at winning a very meaningful game for a fanbase in need of something like this. Syracuse sure has the talent, but rivalry games are always close, and this will be no different. In the end, I just think that the Orange defense will prove to be too much, and down the stretch I would rather have Tyus Battle and Oshae Brissett than Jalen Adams and co.  Syracuse gets to 3-0 with a huge matchup against Oregon on Friday.

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