Syracuse Basketball: Next 2 games versus ranked foes huge for resume

If Syracuse basketball wants to remain in the conversation for a 2021 NCAA Tournament invite, then it really needs to win at least one of its next two Atlantic Coast Conference clashes.

Those affairs, on Saturday afternoon at home against Virginia Tech, and on Monday evening at Virginia, pit the Orange versus a pair of top-20 teams, as well as two of the premier squads in the ACC.

For the time being, the ‘Cuse (8-4, 2-3) possesses a relatively average Big Dance resume. Its losses aren’t terrible, although the one to Rutgers in December isn’t looking as “good,” as the Scarlet Knights are really struggling of late.

Syracuse basketball has some solid wins against the likes of Bryant, Buffalo and Northeastern, among others, but nothing really jumps out. The wow factor is missing on the Orange’s resume.

However, a victory over the Hokies, the Cavaliers – or, perhaps, both of them! – would do absolute wonders for the ‘Cuse as the team seeks to land in the 2021 March Madness.

Not only does Syracuse basketball want to continue moving up the standings in the ACC, but it also really could use a couple of achievements versus nationally ranked opponents.

Syracuse basketball has two monster duels on the horizon.

That brings us to an interesting situation. The ACC could certainly grab a bunch of berths in this spring’s NCAA Tournament, but the league doesn’t boast a lot of heavyweights on a national scale at this juncture.

Thus, as the Associated Press top-25 poll currently appears, besides its near-term games against Virginia Tech and Virginia, the only other ranked foe that I’m seeing on the Orange’s docket, for now, is a road meeting with Clemson in early February.

Of course, conference squads such as Duke, Louisville and North Carolina could re-enter the AP top-25 ballot, giving the ‘Cuse more chances to knock off ranked teams.

However, if that doesn’t occur, and the ACC remains somewhat thin as it pertains to top-25 participants from the league, then this makes the Orange’s upcoming games against the Hokies and UVA even more critical.

After a handful of losses in recent match-ups, it’s no surprise that ESPN’s resident bracketologist, Joe Lunardi, has Syracuse basketball on the outside looking in.

But the ‘Cuse is still within shouting distance. In his latest mock field of 68 released on Jan. 22, Lunardi has the Orange in his next four out category, along with Duke.

Please, please, can Syracuse basketball get in, and the Blue Devils get left out?