Syracuse basketball endured two hard-fought overtime games earlier this week in New York City, splitting the pair of contests, and now the Orange returns to the Hill to welcome Bryant to town this Saturday afternoon.
Before the Thanksgiving holiday, at the 2022 Empire Classic in Brooklyn, N.Y., the ‘Cuse first squeaked by Atlantic 10 Conference squad Richmond, 74-71, in overtime. In that encounter, senior shooting guard Joe Girard III lit up the scoreboard, tallying 31 points.
Then, in the title game of this year’s Empire Classic from the Barclays Center, Syracuse basketball played a physically bruising affair with former Big East Conference rival St. John’s. The Orange managed to build a double-digit lead over the Red Storm, but St. John’s clawed its way back.
Syracuse basketball had the final possession in regulation, but that possession didn’t go as planned, so the contest headed to an extra session. In overtime, St. John’s dominated the Orange, which committed a bunch of unfortunate turnovers.
The Red Storm took home the 2022 Empire Classic championship, defeating the ‘Cuse by a final of 76-69. Girard really struggled versus St. John’s, while the Orange got strong contributions from freshman point guard Judah Mintz, senior center Jesse Edwards, sophomore forward Benny Williams and freshman forward Chris Bell.
Syracuse basketball (3-2) did some positive things in the Big Apple, but two overtime games in two days are tough, particularly for a relatively young squad. The ‘Cuse needs to improve on the glass and cut down on its turnovers, among other things.
Bryant (4-1), out of Smithfield, R.I., is a member of the America East Conference. To date in the young 2022-23 season, the Bulldogs have won against Thomas, Dartmouth, Florida International and Detroit Mercy, while Bryant has lost at Florida Atlantic.
Syracuse basketball vs. Bryant odds
Per actionnetwork.com, on Saturday morning, the Orange was an 8-point betting favorite, with the over/under set at 157.5 points.
Syracuse basketball vs. Bryant prediction
The ‘Cuse and the Bulldogs have only met up once before, and that was at the start of the 2020-21 stanza. In late November of 2020, with the Dome empty due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bryant had the Orange on the ropes, but Syracuse basketball would prevail by one point, 85-84.
The Bulldogs, so far in 2022-23, own numerous statistical advantages over the ‘Cuse, but we have to keep in mind the competition level for each group at this juncture. Nonetheless, Bryant is averaging basically 100 points per game, while connecting on 44.4 percent from beyond the arc.
If Syracuse basketball isn’t active and precise on defense, closing out on perimeter shooters and then pounding the glass hard, this could be a worrisome affair for the ‘Cuse. That being said, I think the Orange is headed in the right direction, even despite the recent loss to St. John’s.
Given that Syracuse basketball is at home, I’ll go with the ‘Cuse to conquer the Bulldogs, albeit not by a wide margin at all.
Injuries, how to watch, live stream, next game
On the injury front, I’m not aware of any significant injuries to note as the Orange aims for its fourth victory of the 2022-23 campaign. Certainly, we’ll stay on top of this topic throughout the current term.
Syracuse basketball and Bryant are scheduled to tip off beginning at 4 pm on Saturday, Nov. 26, from the JMA Wireless Dome. The ACC Network Extra will provide live-streaming coverage.
For Syracuse basketball and Bulldogs fans who want to stream this game, you can check it out on fuboTV.
After its non-conference collision with Bryant, the Orange will hit the road for a massive match-up at top-20 Illinois as part of this year’s ACC-Big Ten Challenge.
Syracuse basketball will play at the Fighting Illini beginning at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from the State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. ESPN will air this juicy encounter featuring two Orange-clad schools.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.