Syracuse Basketball: Colgate Raiders crystal ball predictions
Neil Adler, contributor (1-0)
The Syracuse basketball squad returns to the court after a dismal showing in its 2019-20 season opener, when the Orange hosts a talented Colgate crew this Wednesday evening from the Carrier Dome.
The ‘Cuse (0-1, 0-1) only managed to score 34 points in a dubbing at the hands of the defending national champions, Virginia, on Nov. 6 in Central New York. Needless to say, Syracuse absolutely has to get its offense going when it battles the Raiders (1-1). Colgate, after notching an 80-75 victory against NJIT, also on Nov. 6, fell in its second contest of the 2019-20 campaign.
The Raiders, on Nov. 10, traveled to fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Clemson, and the two teams went back and forth for much of this affair, before the Tigers took control in the final few minutes, landing an 81-68 success. When Colgate visits the Orange on Nov. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. and with the ACC Network Extra providing live online-stream coverage, the Raiders will attempt to defeat the ‘Cuse for the inaugural instance dating back to the early 1960s.
While this series has proven extremely one-sided for decades, Colgate is without question, not a cupcake non-conference opponent. The Raiders got slotted No. 1 in the Patriot League preseason poll, and many of the sport’s pundits expect Colgate to not only capture the conference’s regular-season crown but also to advance to the 2020 NCAA Tournament.
According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, Syracuse possesses an 80.3 percent chance to prevail, however, it wouldn’t surprise me one iota if the Raiders pull off the upset on the Hill. The Orange has to remain solid in its 2-3 zone, and it’s imperative that the ‘Cuse shore up its woeful offense from a week ago.
Yes, Syracuse has a multitude of 3-point threats, but to ensure that it gets off good looks from long range, the Orange players must focus on better ball movement, screening, and spacing. This duel makes me nervous for the ‘Cuse, as Colgate is an excellent group, yet my gut tells me that Syracuse will squeak out a close conquest, 66-62.