Can Orange get back in the win column
The Syracuse Orange (11-15, 5-10) head on the road tonight when they face the Pittsburgh Panthers (15-10. 6-8). Pitt won the first meeting 77-73 in the Dome and are looking to sweep the regular season series. The game will tip off at 7:00 on the ACC Network and here’s what we’re predicting:
Kevin: Pitt 81, Syracuse 78
It’s becoming a pattern for this Orange team as they dig an early hole, rally back, but then are unable to close the deal. Pitt gets Jaland Lowe back from a concussion and he’s the guy who closed out the first meeting. Will Syracuse be able to keep him out of the lane in this on? I think that the only chance for a road win is if the Orange can find a way to make 7 or 8 3’s to go along with the inside game of Eddie Lampkin.
Max: Pitt 77, Syracuse 70
I don’t think anyone in their right mind could pick Syracuse to win an ACC road game right now. Plus, the stakes are incredibly high for Pitt, who needs to dominate its remaining schedule to have any chance at the NCAA Tournament (currently just outside the bubble). There’s certainly a chance that the Orange will get hot and expose the Panthers’ questionable three-point defense, but the home team does almost everything else better and will pull out a single-digit win.
Dom: Pitt 83, Syracuse 73
The Pitt of Doom earns its name for a reason, and in a stretch where Syracuse’s defense has especially been questionable at best and frustrating at worst, the Panthers will hold the edge, win the turnover battle, shoot better from the perimeter compared to last time and win by double-digits. Syracuse’s margin for error is so limited, especially on offense, considering it doesn’t force turnovers or consistently shoot the lights out from three.
Szuba: Pitt 86, Syracuse 75
Pittsburgh shouldn’t have much trouble scoring the ball behind Lowe and Leggett and while JJ Starling and Lampkin can answer on the other end, don’t count on the Syracuse defense to hold up at this point in the season. Pittsburgh also doesn’t turn the ball over, so the turnover battle will be something to watch in this game. There’s nothing we’ve seen in recent weeks from this Syracuse squad that would suggest a road win at the Pete.
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