GAMEDAY IS HERE. Before you watch the game here are our last second predictions for Duke vs the Syracuse basketball squad.
Neil Adler (17-9)
Prediction: Duke wins 75-68
The Syracuse basketball squad returns to the court on Saturday evening when it hosts No. 1 Duke at the Carrier Dome. In all honesty, it’s hard to even think about hoops at this juncture, due to the unbelievably tragic and fatal accident involving SU head coach Jim Boeheim on late Wednesday night.
The ‘Cuse (18-8, 9-4), meanwhile, is coming off an impressive 20-point domination of Louisville on Wednesday in Central New York. This nationally televised match-up, to air on ESPN, will undoubtedly contain a ton of emotions. Syracuse got the better of Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium in mid-January, winning in overtime following an abysmal performance by the Blue Devils from downtown. So Duke’s roster certainly will want to exact revenge on SU. ESPN’s Basketball Power Index says that the Blue Devils are the heavy favorites, with an 81.8 percent chance to prevail. I truly believe that the Orange players will rally behind their heart-broken coach, but, in the end, it won’t prove enough, as Duke defeats the ‘Cuse, 75-68.
Mat Mlodzinski (18-8)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 80-75
Nope, I’m not hyping it up. This is gonna be real.
36,000 fans. The atmosphere of the year. And above all, a Syracuse team that wants to give Jim Boeheim a meaningful win in a game that he will undoubtedly have a heavy heart in.
For the game itself, there will be no Zion Williamson. Cuse will have to shut down Cam Reddish, RJ Barrett, and Tre Jones. If they can even shut down 1 of those 3, it will be an Orange win defensively.
Offensively, the Orange need to get Tyus Battle and Frank Howard going early. They are the leaders and can help the younger guys be ready for a huge crowd and big moments.
The win would be huge for Cuse and could be the biggest win in years. It would solidify a top 25 ranking, but more importantly, it would propel the Orange in bracketology projections.
It’ll be a day-long event as Orange fans have been waiting for this game for years. Now they just gotta get the dub.
Josh Peelman (15-11)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 72-69
I just have this feeling deep down that Syracuse will win this game. The ‘Cuse will have a record-setting crowd, the prime time spotlight on ESPN and a chance to end the speculation on their postseason gate. Sure emotions will be running high considering everything that happened this week, but I don’t think we’ll have an unfocused or distracted group at all.
These Orange players are experienced and that will help a bunch against a Duke team with a lot of talent but no Zion Williamson. The fact Williamson won’t play is huge because he posted around they point earlier on this year and was a force in the paint. Without him, in there the Orange will be playing a much more vulnerable team that it’s beatable as North Carolina proved early in this week.
I expect the Orange to come in confident and playing for the fans and this community and that will be enough to secure the victory. It’s a victory I feel this town needs and one I think they’ll get. Look for Tyus Battle, Oshae Brissett, and Buddy Boeheim to have big games and for maybe Paschal Chukwu to make a difference on the boards and in blocked shots. He’s about due for a big game. So why not against No. 1 ranked Duke at home? All things considered, I think the Orange will play with a heavy heart for their devastated coach and community and come out with a much needed but close win at home. Let’s Go Orange!
Paul A. Esden Jr. (17-9)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 81-80
The Syracuse basketball team will get an emotional win for their head coach. This Syracuse vs Duke game is going to be massive ACC matchup. The Orange already won the first matchup, this should be a fun one between these two. Without Zion Williamson, I don’t think the Blue Devils will be able to beat the Orange.