Syracuse Basketball: Blueprint on Louisville, Jordan Nwora struggles

5. What’s your prediction for this contest? How do you see this one playing out?

"“This is really based on intuition more than anything, but I think Louisville responds well with its backs against the wall. Given what this program and players have been through in recent years, its understandable that this city and fanbase has been on edge this past week, and coaches and players have undoubtedly heard the rumblings. Against Syracuse, a team that is still vying for a high seed in the ACC tournament, Louisville will likely have its full attention turned to this game. As Orange fans are probably well aware, preparing for Syracuse is completely different than planning for any other team. I think that’s a positive for a squad looking to regain focus and confidence. Teams obviously take a ton of threes out of necessity against that vaunted zone, and that could be a good thing for Louisville. I think they are likely to try to get Williams and Sutton into the soft spot of that zone and try to play inside to outside or get some high-low action going towards the basket. If Louisville finds a rhythm early on, it could be one of many games where the Cardinals are content at taking a ton of threes. Prior to the two losses last week, Louisville was the best three-point shooting team in a power five conference, and I think the shooting in the losses is an exception and not the norm. On the defensive end, I really look forward to seeing how Elijah Hughes and Joseph Girard match up with Louisville. Hughes likely draws a tough defensive assignment in Dwayne Sutton, and I think junior Darius Perry or Johnson will shadow Girard for the majority of the game. Louisville thrives in games where they push the tempo and get up and down the floor without allowing opponents to set up the defense (see Duke, Virginia, Boston College). It’s not in their DNA, nor is it Mack’s philosophy to try to rack up steals and create fast breaks, but Louisville will certainly seize opportunities to set the pace if given them. Syracuse is really impressive on offense, and for that reason, I think this is an exciting game. With that said, Louisville desperately needs this one."

"Look for Nwora and Johnson to key this one in a back-and-forth offensive battle. Louisville 76, Syracuse 68.”"