Syracuse Basketball: Clemson Tigers crystal ball predictions

Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (12-8)

Syracuse vs Clemson is finally here.

When I think of this game it harkens me back to Tyus Battle as a freshman in hostile territory. With the Orange, down two with under 10 seconds remaining Battle caught the ball in the corner and fired a dagger to deliver Syracuse the dub and start the Tyus Battle legacy of clutch shot-making.

Of course Tyus Battle is now in the NBA, but the Orange will try to recreate history tonight.

The Voice of the Clemson Tigers Don Munson called this game tonight the most important of the season for the purple and orange. It’s a turning point for Clemson if they lose this game their NCAA tournament hopes could die.

On the other side of the coin, this is a critically important game for the Orange. With a potential dub, Syracuse would, in theory, be on a six-game winning streak heading into a HUGE primetime game vs the Duke Blue Devils.

In addition, Syracuse would improve to 14-7 on the year and an incredible 7-3 in the conference. This would put the team in a phenomenal position heading down the stretch. But Clemson can’t be overlooked.

Despite an uneven resume, this Clemson team is capable.

The Tigers have battled injuries throughout the season and the straw that stirs the drink is Aamir Simms is the leading point-getter (13.8 points per game) and he’s replaced Elijah Thomas, who left as a senior last year.

They’re completely different players but Simms has really stepped it up and he’s the guy to focus on if the Orange wants to get the win.

Syracuse finds a way to get it done, give me the Orange 75 Clemson 68.