We’ve reached the end of the regular season and the Syracuse Orange (15-15, 6-11) will welcome the Pitt Panthers (11-19, 4-13) to the JMA Dome. In the first meeting, the Orange offense was outstanding on the way to an 86-72 win. It’s Senior Day for JJ Starling, Nate Kingz, William Kyle and Bryce Zephir. Tip is scheduled for 4:30 and will be broadcast on The CW.
Here’s what we’re predicting
Kevin: Syracuse 78, Pitt 74
The first game between these teams was one where Syracuse started hot and used a strong
shooting performance to grab a road win. It’s been a struggle since that one and we never know which Orange team will show up each game. I think that this is a game where Donnie Freeman can get his offense going early on and Syracuse will find a way to squeak out a home win before heading to Charlotte.
Max: Syracuse 72, Pitt 70
It’s hard to see either of these teams winning, but I’ll give the slight edge to the Orange on their home floor on Senior Night. Despite the four-game losing streak, SU still has much better shooting numbers than Pitt, especially beyond the arc in conference play. Both squads feel mentally checked out, so nothing would surprise me, but I think Starling puts up a 20-piece in his last Dome game to propel Syracuse over the top.
Szuba: Syracuse 74, Pittsburgh 71
Tough to pick Syracuse after four straight losses but Pittsburgh hasn’t exactly had success after dropping seven of its last nine games. The Panthers might have more to play for (such as an ACC Tournament berth) but give me Syracuse to muster enough juice to compete in the final home game on Senior Day. This team is wounded, but I think Starling — who scored 19 points in the first meeting with Pittsburgh — will be motivated to have a strong final home game. He and his Syracuse teammates summon the necessary amount of will in this game to get out on the right side.
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What’s your prediction?
