Syracuse Basketball: Colgate Raiders crystal ball predictions

Josh Peelman, contributor (0-1)

Syracuse basketball really struggled at home versus Virginia in the season opener last week. However, the Orange will have an easier matchup of sorts when they take on in-state rival Colgate.

Colgate has talented shooters and lots of experience, but don’t nearly have the talent Syracuse has. Syracuse is led by sharpshooters Elijah Hughes and Buddy Boeheim, but if they can’t get going early and often in this one it could spell trouble for the Orange.

Syracuse really struggled with its half-court offense against the Cavaliers, but hope things will run smoother versus the Raiders. I think if Jalen Carey runs things well from the point and Quincy Guerrier plays well inside and rebounds well, Syracuse could win but double digits.

However, if the Orange come out flat again and struggle, I could see Colgate pulling the upset. It’s unlikely given the talent level difference between the two schools, I get that, but sometimes a game comes down to who wants it more, and I think the Raiders on the road definitely will have that extra motivation to pull the upset on a vulnerable Orange team on its home floor. I see the Orange prevailing though 68-57, though I don’t feel as confident about picking a victory as I did last week.