Syracuse Basketball: Virginia Tech, among ACC’s best, finds ways to win

Syracuse basketball has a daunting challenge awaiting it on Saturday afternoon when the Orange hosts Virginia Tech from the Carrier Dome.

In the Atlantic Coast Conference’s pre-season media poll prior to the 2020-21 campaign commencing, the Hokies were projected to finish at No. 11 in the 15-team league. But as the saying goes, that’s why they play the game.

This season has a way to go, however, Virginia Tech (11-2, 5-1) will arrive in Central New York ranked No. 16 in the latest Associated Press top-25 poll. Additionally, the Hokies hover near the top of the ACC standings.

For the ‘Cuse (8-4, 2-3), which is scheduled to tip-off with Virginia Tech at 12 pm on Saturday, this conference clash presents a huge opportunity for the team to knock off a nationally rated foe.

Since Syracuse basketball is teetering on the proverbial March Madness bubble as it pertains to the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the Orange must seize on the chances it has versus marquee opponents.

The ‘Cuse got back to its winning ways by demolishing Miami on the Hill earlier this week, while the Hokies’ game against Boston College slated for Jan. 20 got postponed due to Covid-19 protocols, per an announcement from the ACC.

Syracuse basketball faces a massive task trying to upset top-25 Virginia Tech.

Through contests on Jan. 20, the Hokies had a NET ranking of No. 37, while the Orange is No. 47. Over at kenpom.com, Virginia Tech is No. 35, and the ‘Cuse is No. 44.

All-time, Syracuse basketball is ahead of the Hokies in their series together, 10-5, per orangehoops.org. The teams split their ACC battles a stanza ago, each prevailing on the other squad’s turf.

In the current term, Virginia Tech has captured three in a row, and it boasts high-quality victories versus Villanova, Clemson and Duke. The Hokies’ pair of setbacks is at Louisville by two points and a total pasting via Penn State.

In reviewing a variety of statistical categories, the Orange actually owns an advantage in many departments over Virginia Tech. The Hokies do shoot better from the field as a whole and from beyond the arc, and Virginia Tech gives up fewer points on defense.

The bottom line is that, regardless of the stats, the Hokies find a way to achieve, sometimes pulling out close winning margins. That’s admirable, and Syracuse basketball will have its hands full in this pivotal league encounter.