It’s Wednesday and you know what that means, the Syracuse Orange (6-4) try to get back into the win column when they host the Mercyhurst Lakers (4-7). Mercyhurst is ranked 332nd in KenPom and this is a game
that the Orange should put away early. Tip is at 7:00 on ACCNX and here are our predictions:
Predictions:
Kevin: Syracuse 84, Mercyhurst 61
You’d hope that after the last two games, the Orange come out and try to prove a point. Losses happen, but this team needs to get some big wins before ACC play starts. I think William Kyle gets a lot of shots at the rim in this one and leads Syracuse to a comfortable win- so comfortable that we get a Noah Lobdell appearance in the final minute.
Dom: Syracuse 79, Mercyhurst 54
This is the game where you will see the Orange’s defense in its true form. Mercyhurst has played two games against Power Five opponents and averaged 42.5 points in those contests. Mercyhurst doesn’t have the firepower to compete and Syracuse should win this comfortably. That said, this will be a telling game after dropping one to Hofstra. The intensity needs to be there with conference play looming. Ultimately, I think the Orange come out with the right intensity and put this one to bed early.
Max: Syracuse 77, Mercyhurst 61
The loss to Hofstra is unacceptable, but luckily, SU has a nice bounce-back matchup on paper against Mercyhurst. As Kevin outlined, the Lakers don’t exactly excel against Power Five opponents, and have struggled offensively from all spots on the court. It’s hard to envision the Orange dominating for an entire 40 minutes, but their defense should create a few scoring droughts for the visitors, making this a comfortable win.
Szuba: Syracuse 77, Mercyhurst 53
A bit of a reprieve for Syracuse is just what the doctor ordered after a deflating defeat at home against Hofstra. Mercyhurst ranks among the worst offensive teams in the country and the defense isn’t much better. Look for Syracuse to dominate a smaller team in the paint and on the glass. Syracuse will still have to bring it on the defensive end, however, but even if the Orange play short of “level-five” Mercyhurst just doesn’t have enough there to remain competitive. Orange by two dozen.
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What are your predictions for tonight?
