Josh Peelman (3-3)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 74-57
The Orange pulled off an impressive victory on the road against a Top 25 team in Ohio State. Frank Howard looked poised and the offense responded in kind. With their floor leader back, the defense was stingy and the offense moved a lot better.
Oshae Brissett still is not playing like the star we know he is. We see flashes but he hasn’t been as dominant to start the year. He is going through a shooting slump, but once he emerges hopefully he takes it back to that next level again because Syracuse needs him as their second scoring option to win games.
As for the Boeheim affair I’m not looking forward to as much as other people, even though three Boeheim’s will be involved in this game. But I do think Cornell will be a good test for this team for at least a half. Look for for the Orange to win by double digits for another satisfying win. I think the Orange take care of Cornell relatively easily behind another huge day from Elijah Hughes, who continues to be that outstanding second guy behind Tyus Battle so far. His ability to hit shots from deep, steal and penetrate have really spaced the floor for the Orange creating a lot of open shots.
Hopefully this is the game where we see the bench continue to step up as well and remind everyone the Orange are back and that they deserve to be a Top 25 program once again. Syracuse is a good team this year when they’re clicking on all cylinders, but they need to find the best way to put it all together before ACC play begins. Otherwise it could be rough sledding for the Orange this winter.