The Syracuse Orange (13-10, 4-6) have lost four of their last five games and now head to Charlottesville to take on the #18 Virginia Cavaliers (19-3, 8-2). Virginia has won four of their last five games and is looking to stay in position to challenge for the ACC regular season title.
The game tips at Noon on ESPN and here’s what we’re watching for:
Kevin: Dealing with Defense
The Cavaliers are leading the ACC in blocks per game and holding ACC opponents to 39% shooting, 29% from 3. With Syracuse’s disjointed
offense, can the Orange stay patient and not drive into turnovers and contested jump shots? I’m not very hopeful but Syracuse has surprised us in Charlottesville before….
Dom: Staying resilient from one to five
Syracuse’s defense has been a sore spot since the ACC schedule began, and especially in the paint. Opposing guards are having little problems driving to the rim or dishing to the bigs, and Syracuse’s own frontcourt combinations have struggled to do much deterring at the basket. The Cavaliers will be a bear trying to stop. Johann Grunloh and Ugonna Onyenso aren’t consistent double-digit scorers but will make an impact on the offensive glass and rim-running dunks all game. On the perimeter, a trio of double-digit-point guards to pair along with leading scorer Thijs De Ridder. Sheesh.
Max: Lots of second chances for Virginia
It’ll be hard enough to stop UVA’s efficient offense once (17th-best per KenPom), but how about stopping it twice or three times? The Cavaliers are one of the best teams on the offensive glass in the nation, with a 40.0% offensive rebounding rate (third best), and will definitely make their mark against an Orange defense that struggles to limit opponents to one shot (32.5% offensive rebounds allowed, 268th). That said, second-chance points are a massive advantage for the home team in this one, and SU needs to find a way to limit the extra possessions.
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What will you be watching for tomorrow?
