Syracuse Basketball: Orange’s keys to defeating the Duke Blue Devils

Syracuse basketball (16-10 overall, 9-6 in the ACC) is currently on a three-game winning streak, as they are back at the JMA Wireless Dome to take on the Duke Blue Devils (18-8 overall, 9-6 in the ACC) at 6 pm eastern time on ESPN this Saturday.

The Orange is coming off an upset victory over the ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack, 75-72, as they look to keep the streak going against the rival Blue Devils.

Here are my player to watch and keys for Syracuse basketball to knock off Duke at home.

Player To Watch

Senior center Jesse Edwards will be the player to watch against Duke, as his performance last game could be a huge lift for Orange fans.

Edwards, who had 18 points and 16 rebounds last game against the Wolfpack, will need to be a leader that can take over on both ends of the court, locking down the painted area, making sure to fight for every rebound, and putting points up that can help Syracuse in a tight game situation.

He will be a factor for Syracuse in this matchup with Duke and will need to have his best game of the season if the Orange wants to keep the win streak alive.

Keys To The Game

1. Fast Start– The Syracuse Orange needs to start off strong against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. They need to come in attacking the basket, getting stops early and often, and making sure they connect with one another to keep the lead over the Blue Devils.
2. Make Big Plays– Syracuse basketball needs to come into this matchup making some big plays early and making sure they keep making big plays to keep the fans involved. The Orange needs to keep momentum on their side this whole game, and making big plays will allow them to do just that.
3. Finish The Game– Syracuse basketball this season has had a problem closing out some games this season, and they must do so in this matchup with Duke. The Orange needs to close this game, find the basket on every possession down the stretch, make clutch free throws, and make sure Duke doesn’t gain any momentum toward the end.

Prediction

This game will be big for the Orange as we get closer to March Madness, and a big win is needed to keep them going on a four-game win streak. Syracuse basketball needs this game against Duke to be a clean game overall. If they can do that, the Orange will walk out of the Dome with a 75-68 victory over Duke and advance on a four-game win streak.