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Syracuse Basketball: NC State Wolfpack crystal ball predictions

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 20: Francisco Caffaro #22 and Casey Morsell #13 of the Virginia Cavaliers defend C.J. Bryce #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 20, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JANUARY 20: Francisco Caffaro #22 and Casey Morsell #13 of the Virginia Cavaliers defend C.J. Bryce #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 20, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Joe Arrigo, contributor (16-7)

Syracuse barely survived a game that the Orange had to win against Wake Forest on Saturday, thanks to Brycen Goodine being in the right place at the right time. The Orange now will switch its focus to a huge bubble game against the Wolfpack of N.C. State.

One thing I find interesting heading into this game is the fact the Syracuse won a meaningful game in the final minutes with two guys who have barely played this year. Goodine and Jesse Edwards played impactful minutes down the stretch and both made important plays that helped Syracuse won.

Jim Boeheim is a coach that typically just plays 7 guys at most, but in this game, he was forced to play guys that he didn’t want to play, and they played good! I’m sure old Jimmy won’t change his style, but maybe he realized that he can trust some other guys in meaningful moments as the season progresses.

As for the matchup with N.C. State, it’s a must-win as possible for the Orange. I know beating the Wolfpack wouldn’t be viewed as a huge win, but Syracuse only has two games left on their schedule where a win would be a major bump to their resume (Louisville, Florida State).

However, NC State is a bubble team for the tournament as well, so the winner of this game could be the team that wins over the committee come Selection Sunday.

As I’ve said, if the Orange can finish 4th in the ACC, I believe that will get them in the Big Dance. Beating up on teams like N.C. State down the stretch is more crucial than beating Florida State or Louisville in my opinion. I think Syracuse understands the magnitude of this game, and they will beat the Wolfpack somewhat easily at the Carrier Dome.

FINAL SCORE
SYRACUSE 71 N.C. STATE 60

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