Syracuse Basketball: Predictions for Georgetown Hoyas matchup

16 Jan 1999: Fans of the Georgetown Hoyas try to distract #5 Anthony Perry of the Syracuse Orangemen while he makes a free throw during the game at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. Syracuse defeated Georgetown 81-79. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
16 Jan 1999: Fans of the Georgetown Hoyas try to distract #5 Anthony Perry of the Syracuse Orangemen while he makes a free throw during the game at the MCI Center in Washington, D.C. Syracuse defeated Georgetown 81-79. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire /Allsport
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Josh Peelman (5-3)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 65-57

The Orange looked much better in their win over Northeastern, even though that meant less scoring from Tyus Battle. In that game Battle scored only two points, which is very unlike Battle who has that killer mentality when he’s on the floor.

Oshae Brissett had another nice game though with a double-double to lead the Orange. If the Orange go into the game on Saturday versus Georgetown with the same kind energy and chemistry they showed versus the Huskies earlier this week then the Orange should pull this one out and look good doing so.

If the Orange struggle again offensively though, like they have in a few games this year, then it could be a game the defense will have to win for them. Either way, I think considering this is a rivalry game between two really good teams I expect a close one. Georgetown is good sitting at 7-1 to start the year but their unproven so this should be a good test for the Hoyas on the road.

Expect to see another huge outing from Elijah Hughes in his first matchup against Georgetown in an Orange uniform. Also I think it’s a safe bet that Battle will score more than two points in this one, so if it’s close in crunch time then the Orange should have their confident and clutch closer back. I see the Orange pulling away late in this one and holding on for the close victory. Up next the Orange should have an easier game versus the Old Dominion Monarchs whom the Orange haven’t played since 1981.