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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Andrew Carey (5-3)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 78-65

In my opinion, Syracuse really can’t afford to have any more non-conference losses throughout the remainder of the season. Georgetown is a big game because of the rivalry and the 3:30 p.m. start time on a Saturday.

The Hoyas are not a great team. They are solid, Jesse Govan is their main threat, a stretch-5 who averages 19 points per game. They have added exciting young freshmen James Akinjo and Mac McClung who is an athletic freak and can hit the outside shot. Akinjo is a 5-11 point guard averaging 14 points per game and close to 5 assists.

Those are the three main guys the Syracuse defense is going to have to key in on. But I don’t worry as much about the defense as I do the offense in this game. We all know that Syracuse has been a morbid offensive team for the last 3-4 years I’d say. They play a slow, unappealing style on the offensive end that usually revolves around ISO ball. Georgetown is a very bad defensive team, but a good offensive team. Syracuse is going to have to score points if they want to win this game.

Last year in D.C it was Tyus Battle, Frank Howard, and Oshae Brissett, who had a bit of a coming out party. I’m looking for those guys to still have big games, but its going to take a significant contribution from either Elijah Hughes or Jalen Carey to knock off G-Town. Ultimately, I think Syracuse rises to the occasion and wins 78-65.