Syracuse Basketball: Iowa Hawkeyes crystal ball predictions

Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (4-3)

Man, this has been a depressing start to the season and the worst start to a season this century, let that simmer for a second.

Syracuse is struggling in a lot of key areas that are major signs of concern: free throw percentage, rebounding differential, and inconsistency in the scoring department.

This team was supposed to be exciting to watch offensively with a variety of scoring options, where is that team?

Bourama Sidibe and Marek Dolezaj are getting into instant foul trouble to start games which puts the Orange in a pinch.

Syracuse is going to need both of their big men because Iowa brings some beef up front.

Their lead man is Luke Garza who is averaging 19.6 points per contest from the center spot. Iowa can hold their own on the glass and if Syracuse has any real shot that’s exactly what they have to do.

Quincy Guerrier is the x-factor he needs to be physical and impose his will. He showed signs in the Barclays Center and if he can do that in this game hopefully that energy can be infectious to the rest of his teammates.

The Hawkeyes already have a resume defining win vs No. 12 Texas Tech who was in the National Championship game last year, Syracuse is looking for their own in 2019-20. They get it vs Iowa, not nearly as impressive as the Texas Tech win, but it’ll do.

Syracuse wins 77-72 over Iowa.