Adrian Autry’s Syracuse Orange (3-0) welcome another former NYC point guard legend to the JMA Dome tonight when King Rice’s Monmouth Hawks (1-2) visit. It’s a 9:00 start on the ACC Network with Robert
Lee and Emeka Okafor on the call. Here’s what we’re predicting tonight:
Kevin: Syracuse 83, Monmouth 61
Tyler Betsey sitting out gives a chance to see some smaller line-ups in this one. Can the Orange play JJ and Kiyan together? What about using Sadiq at the 3 with Donnie Freeman and William Kyle? The Orange will come out with more intensity in this one and pull away in the final 10 minutes of the first half.This gives Adrian Autry a chance to get Luke Fennell and Akir Souare extended time in the second half.
Dom: Syracuse 86, Monmouth 60
I’m expecting a similar playbook as the Drexel game. Monmouth hangs around thanks to scoring from the forward combo of Jason Rivera-Torres and Stefanos Spartalis, both the only two Hawks players scoring in double figures. That said, Syracuse’s defense forces just a few too many turnovers and easily wins the transition battle, while the offense stays consistent thanks to its top scorers and Starling returning to the lineup.
Szuba: Syracuse 82, Monmouth 50
Syracuse should have another strong defensive showing in this outing against a team that struggles on offense. The Hawks turn it over nearly 17 times per game while Syracuse is 20th in the country in turnovers forced per game. The Orange defense still ranks No. 1 in points allowed (46.7) and field goal percentage (28.4%). The Orange offense shouldn’t have trouble getting good looks behind Starling, Kiyan Anthony and Donnie Freeman. Orange roll in the final tuneup before Vegas.
Max: Syracuse 85, Monmouth 65
It’s been smooth sailing so far this season for the Orange, and I expect that to continue against the Hawks. Already forcing over 18 turnovers per game on defense, Syracuse will continue to feast against a Monmouth team that relies heavily on true freshman forward Stefanos Spartalis. We’ll reach blowout territory early, and get some extra looks at Tiefing Diawara, Fennell and Souare while playing with house money.
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Now it’s your turn, make your predictions in the comments
