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Syracuse Basketball: Louisville Cardinals crystal ball predictions

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange reaches for the ball controlled by Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 20, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Louisville 69-49. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 20: Marek Dolezaj #21 of the Syracuse Orange reaches for the ball controlled by Dwayne Sutton #24 of the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 20, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeated Louisville 69-49. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (13-12)

Man this 2019-20 season will forever live in our memories as “what could’ve been”, I wrote about that this week (full story here).

Here are some highlights: Syracuse got annihilated during non-conference play but when ACC play started in earnest the Orange lost several close games that could’ve changed this season.

Quite simply the Orange have been unable to close out games and if they were capable of that perhaps this season would’ve turned out much differently.

Although if “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts, we’d all have a merry Christmas.

Here are the facts, this is a must-win game for Syracuse because if they don’t win this one there only chance at making the NCAA Tournament may just be winning the ACC Tournament.

Louisville has lost two straight games and is feeling down. The Cardinals leading scorer Jordan Nwora is a player that rides the emotional roller coaster, some games he’s hot and some games he’s not. He has a tendency to disappear and teams can frustrate him.

While the 2-3 zone isn’t the best version we’ve seen over the years, Jim Boeheim can concoct a game plan that’ll throw him off. Jordan is the only double-digit scorer on the team and if Syracuse can get him off his game, they can find a way to win this game.

Buddy Boeheim will finally break out of his slump, Elijah Hughes is getting healthier, and Joe Girard will get hot from deep.

Give me the Orange 72-65 over Louisville. 

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