Inside the Loud House
Fansided

Syracuse Basketball: Predictions vs Baylor in NCAA Tournament

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears talks to his players at a time out during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on December 29, 2017 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 77-53. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Mat Mlodzinski (22-11)
Prediction: Syracuse wins 72-64

With Frank Howard officially out, Syracuse will need to rely on defense, defense, defense, and Buddy Boeheim.

Howard was scoring the ball extremely well, and it takes away a playmaker off the Orange squad. Jalen Carey may see extra minutes but it really forces Buddy to step up both defensively and on the offensive end.

Baylor shoots the ball well and also rebounds good, so Cuse will have to close out on shooters out of the zone and also box out. Paschal Chukwu and Marek Dolezaj will need to play well.

Ultimately, even without Howard, I still think that Tyus Battle and co. have too much for Baylor to defend, and Syracuse should be able to slip by to the second round. They still need to play very well, because Baylor has a good team, but the Orange is easily more talented on paper.

It is still a scary game, but overall the Orange faithful will come home with the win, and this team will have an extra game on Saturday.

Home/Syracuse Basketball