Can the Cuse get a 2nd ACC road win?
The Syracuse Orange (9-9, 3-4) are on the road tonight to face one of the ACC’s best teams- the Clemson Tigers (15-4, 7-1) at Littlejohn Coliseum. Tip-off is at 7:00 pm on the ACC Network and here’s what we’re predicting:
Mike: Clemson 81, Syracuse 66
Credit to the Orange for battling back against Notre Dame but I can’t see them do the same if they fall behind early again here. The Tigers play well on both ends and SU has not been able to counter the three ball this season. Chase Hunter and Jaeden Zackery continue to dominate on the outside as the recent celebration becomes short lived.
Kevin: Clemson 75, Syracuse 66
I think the key matchup for this one is going to be Jyare Davis against Ian Schieffelin at the power forward spot. Schieffelin has been impressive this year as he leads Clemson in rebounding and assists while playing 33 minutes per game. He’s avoided foul trouble but if Davis can get to him early, this could give Syracuse a chance. I think the Orange hang close until the final five minutes when the Tigers balanced attack pushes them to a comfortable win.
Dom: Clemson 79, Syracuse 70
Clemson will be the clear favorite and the most likely path for Syracuse to win is simple — control the glass and win the turnover battle. Clemson is top-six in offensive rebounds in the ACC, while the Orange are top-three in defensive rebounds (although the Tigers do hold their opponents to the fifth-fewest rebounds per game, a major drop-off compared to the Orange who give up the fifth-most). The Tigers boast better depth and general scoring efficiency, meaning if Syracuse doesn’t get out in transition enough to make up the deficit, the team will hang close but not close enough.
Max: Clemson 77, Syracuse 62
These teams are on two separate playing fields, and the Tigers should cruise to a double-digit home win. Clemson might be Joe Girard-less, but it still boasts a top-30 efficient offense per KenPom while being one of the ACC’s best at guarding the three (28.3% allowed in conference play). I just don’t see how Syracuse generates enough offense to keep this one competitive.
Sam: Clemson 76, Syracuse 63
Syracuse hasn’t won at Clemson since 2017, and hasn’t been within single digits inside Littlejohn over the last three trips. The Tigers are well-constructed team with the identity to do a plethora of things on the offensive end. From the high-low actions with the bigs, to the pick-and-roll actions, which both Jaeden Zackery and Chase Hunter can initiate, Clemson’s offense can be extremely hard to guard when running well. Syracuse made its best in-game adjustments of the season against Notre Dame on Saturday, and must continue to evolve in order to give itself a chance on Wednesday.
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Now it’s your turn: