Syracuse Basketball: Oklahoma State crystal ball predictions

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Isaac Likekele #13 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to make a pass during the game against the LSU Tigers at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Isaac Likekele #13 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to make a pass during the game against the LSU Tigers at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (4-1)

So far things have gone according to plan.

The Orange lost the game many thought they would to Virginia. They’ve beaten teams they’re supposed to.

Syracuse has a lot of depth and a lot of shooters, both of those things were on display vs Bucknell last week. Heck, the Orange nearly dropped a benjamin on the scoreboard.

Don’t expect that offensive explosion vs Oklahoma State in the Barclays Center.

The Cowboys are only allowing 60 points per contest so far this year, but they’re facing their biggest challenge yet vs the Orange.

This pressure man defense could present some issues for a young Syracuse squad. So the key is simple: the Orange has to make it rain early and often from downtown.

Joe Girard (44 percent), Buddy Boeheim (39 percent), and Elijah Hughes (40 percent) are all on fire from deep so far in 2019.

I’ll take the battle-tested Orange in a 74-66 victory ahead of Thanksgiving.