Syracuse Basketball: Oakland Golden Grizzlies crystal ball predictions

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Xavier Hill-Mais #14 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies drives to the basket while defended by Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on December 21, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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Joe Arrigo, contributor (5-5)

Syracuse basketball is off to its worst start in 44 years under Jim Boeheim, and for good reason. The Orange had a whole week to create a game plan as they headed to D.C against Georgetown.

The Hoyas lit Syracuse up for 48 points in the first half, 14 offensive rebounds, and 11 three-pointers. In my opinion, if Syracuse had a defense they could play other than 2-3 zone, I think Syracuse could have won that game. However, we all know that will never happen.

I get that Jim Boeheim is known nationally for the 2-3 zone, but that doesn’t mean you have to play it every second of every game. It’s sad that Boeheim’s pride gets in the way of wins and losses.

As for the game vs Oakland, Syracuse is going to beat the breaks off of them. Oakland does have one respectable loss on the season where they were competitive against Michigan State, but they aren’t good enough to win on the road in Syracuse.

But in all honesty, a SU win over Oakland doesn’t matter to anyone. This team is not going to make it to the NCAA Tournament unless they go at least 12-8 in the ACC, and maybe even better. This is the third straight year where the Syracuse basketball team is underachieving and before we know it, this program may be lost entirely.

Final Score
Syracuse 85 Oakland 70

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