The Syracuse Orange (8-4) return to acton in the JMA Dome tonight when they host the Stonehill Skyhawks (3-9). This will be the second all-time meeting between the two schools- Syracuse won 101-55 back in 1976 in the only other meeting. Game will tip at 7:00 on ACCNX and here’s what we’re predicting:
Kevin: Syracuse 81, Stonehill 63
This Stonehill team is ranked as one of the worst offenses in the country so I expect the Orange to be able to get some fast break baskets in this one. It’s also a game
where Syracuse should get the ball inside early and often as Stonehill doesn’t have anyone to match up with William Kyle. Orange fans get an early Christmas gift and don’t have to sweat this one out.
Dom: Syracuse 84, Stonehill 69
The defense should look way better versus Stonehill, and it will need to do with conference play looming. Hoping to see another game versus the scoring can come as well as it did versus Northeastern, with ‘Cuse dominating around the rim and just overpowering its defenders. It’s a close one early, but unlike recent contests, Syracuse pulls away coming out of halftime for good.
Augie: Syracuse 73, Stonehill 50
Syracuse’s defense had a wakeup call on Saturday and is going to need to respond against another mid major Massachusetts foe. I think they will, and are going to keep the Skyhawks at bay for both halves. This beat needs a dominant win heading into Christmas and then ACC play, and I think they will get it. Expect two dominant halves of basketball for the Orange.
Szuba: Syracuse 78, Stonehill 69
Stonehill is bad, but I can’t take Syracuse by any comfortable margin as the last three outings tell us the Orange shouldn’t be taken seriously. Syracuse should get enough on the offensive end and getting Nait George going last game was a positive sign, but if the defense can’t lock in for any stretch of time this will be another bad team that the Orange can’t put away. Stonehill hangs around, and Syracuse — dips and all — wins by nine.
Max: Syracuse 80, Stonehill 55
While there are definitely no “free wins,” this one should be an easy win for the home team. Stonehill ranks near the bottom in nearly every statistical offensive category, and while its defense limits offensive rebounds, that’s about it. Syracuse will come out with no mercy in its last nonconference game and should score at ease to make this one a blowout victory.
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Now it’s your turn, what is your prediction for tonight?
