The Syracuse Orange (5-3) host the St. Joseph’s Hawks (6-3) tonight at the JMA Wireless Dome. It’s a 9:00 pm tip on the ACC Network with Mike Corey and Eric Devendorf on the call. Here’s what we’re predicting:
James: Syracuse 75, St. Joe’s 59
Look for Syracuse to build off the Tennessee performance after some rest between games. The Hawks don’t shoot it well from the floor and take a lot threes without making them — 44.7% of total shots are threes. I think the Syracuse defense holds, and limits the Hawks guard trio of Deuce Jones, Jaiden Glover-Toscano and Derek Simpson, especially if JJ Starling and Nate Kingz continue their solid defensive play. St. Joe’s might be able to hang with Syracuse on the glass, but it doesn’t turn teams over. This could be a game where Kiyan Anthony and Tyler Betsey give some offensive firepower off the bench as Syracuse proves too much on offense for the Hawks to contain.
Dom: Syracuse 80, St. Joseph’s 72
The trio of Deuce Jones (15.6 PPG), Jaiden Glover-Toscano (13.6 PPG) and Derek Simpson (11.4) will certainly provide the Hawks with plenty of offensive juice, and ultimately those guards will keep this a game. Syracuse will once again have the size advantage inside, so expect another big day from William Kyle, but the Orange’s perimeter rotations will have its hands full generating shots if Donnie Freeman remains sidelined and defending Saint Joseph’s top scoring threats. Syracuse wins in the end, but the contest remains a close one.
Kevin: Syracuse 78, St. Joseph’s 66
As pointed out, the Hawks perimeter trio does most of their scoring, but they don’t shoot well from deep. They are a strong group from the foul line (81%). so can the Orange ramp up the pressure without committing fouls? I think this is a game where Syracuse can force some turnovers and get some easy baskets in transition. I do want to see the Syracuse halfcourt offense improve, but tonight’s a good opportunity to push the tempo early to try and get back in the groove after the time off.
Max: Syracuse 76, St. Joseph’s 62
Nine days off is a massive boost for Syracuse, and I’m expecting a defensive clinic in a double-digit win. The Hawks really struggle from three-point range (28.3%, 327th per KenPom), and as we know, nothing comes easy in the paint against the Orange defense. We’ll see if the free-throw shooting is any better, but even if it’s not, SU should control this one from the opening tip.
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Now it’s your turn, what are you predicting?
