Syracuse Basketball: Colgate Raiders crystal ball predictions

Chris Queripel, contributor (1-0)

Syracuse basketball heads into their battle against Colgate. To start the season, ‘Cuse ran into a brick wall as they faced Virginia. The defending national champions have one of the best defenses in the nation and stunted any potential offense from the Orange. Syracuse mustered up only 34 points in the opening night defeat. The rough start is to be expected against one of the nation’s top teams.

Now Syracuse has a few out of conference matchups that they should use to their advantage. Colgate plays in the patriot league but don’t get too comfortable because they are always a formidable opponent. First, let’s look at what ‘Cuse needs to do for Wednesday’s game.

To begin, let me preface this by saying that we cannot overreact. ‘Cuse has played one game and it was against a top team. Even though it was an ugly loss, it was just a game one. However, there are lessons to be learned.

Coach Boeheim needs to test his rotation against Colgate. Bourama Sidibe seems to be the team’s starting center down low. But who’s next when he’s out of the game?

Boeheim has made it clear that he doesn’t like playing Marek Dolezaj at the five position. But on media day, Syracuse.com reported that the head coach hinted that Marek might get more time as the team’s big man.

When ACC play comes around, Syracuse needs to solidify their depth at that position because Syracuse cannot get bullied in the paint and need a rotational plan to counteract potential mismatches.

Now on the other end is the Orange’s point guard depth. In the offseason, Orange fans received a healthy dose of all three point guards. Right now, Jalen Carey has emerged as number one. But Joe Girard and Brycen Goodine have earned an opportunity to battle for playing time. Against Colgate, Syracuse must play all three guards to see what each truly possesses.

The Raiders last year qualified for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996. In the all-time matchup, Syracuse has the upper hand, but Colgate is better now than in the past. However, in the Dome, ‘Cuse will still prevail. I predict Syracuse will win 60-50 against the Raiders.