The Syracuse Orange (1-0) men’s basketball is back in action tonight when the Central Connecticut Blue Devils (0-1) visit the JMA Dome. Tip-off is 7:00 and streaming on ACCNX.
Here are our predictions for this one:
Szuba: Syracuse 78, Central Connecticut 50
Let’s go with a more focused Syracuse team for two halves to close out an inferior team now that the emotions of the season-opener have passed. I like the Orange’s frontcourt here in this matchup, particularly on the offensive end. Central Connecticut managed just 56 points against a pedestrian Temple team so if a more disciplined Syracuse team doesn’t gamble on steals and closes out stops with defensive rebounds I like the Orange to get easy looks in transition and hold down a smaller team at home.
Dom: Syracuse 82, Central Connecticut 59
Unforced errors and some ill-advised turnovers lead to points for Central Connecticut and keeps it a little close early, but momentum eventually swings after the first portion of action and the Orange take command for good. Expecting another solid game for Sadiq White Jr. combined with slightly improved offensive efficiency from the perimeter rotation. All that leads to Syracuse moving to 2-0 heading to Indy.
Sam: Syracuse 76, Central Connecticut 52
Central pulled off some upsets early in the year last year, beating BC and Rutgers, but the Blue Devils don’t quite have the same level of talent as last season. Darin Smith Jr., Jay Rodgers, and Max Frazier all transferred. Syracuse shouldn’t have any trouble – although I do think Raphel Laurent will be a star for CCSU in the NEC – putting away the Blue Devils on Thursday.
Max: Syracuse 83, Central Connecticut 56
CCSU has looked relatively weak the past few years and are in one of the bottom conferences in the country. They have a couple talents but Syracuse should be able to handle them with little to no stress. This would bring Gerry McNamara’s squad to a perfect 2-0 heading into a tough matchup against Indiana.
Kevin: Syracuse 81, CCSU 60
This is the last tune-up opportunity for the Orange before they take to the road next week. I would imagine that the last two days of practice have not been pleasant and I expect a bit more energy and focus tonight. Look for a focus on getting the ball inside on offense and cranking up the intensity on defense. After not playing on Monday, watch for Francis Folefac to be called upon to bring that defensive intensity.
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