The Syracuse Orange (9-4, 0-0) begin the 25-26 ACC schedule when they host the Clemson Tigers (10-3, 0-0). Tip-off is 2:00 from the JMA Dome and will be broadcast on ESPN2/WatchESPN with Wes Durham and Dennis
Scott on the call. Here’s what we’re predicting:
Dom: Syracuse 69, Clemson 64
Clemson’s last two losses were to top-12 opponents by a combined nine points, but the Tigers have also had close calls not putting away business against South Carolina and Cincinnati in its most recent contests. I’m expecting this to be a close game, and the impact of Freeman being back can’t be overstated. He’ll be rusty, but still bring more scoring pop and another lanky athlete Clemson will have to score over. No deep-dive analysis needed: a world with Freeman is better than one without, and I ultimately think that makes the difference.
Kevin: Clemson 63, Syracuse 61
Everyone expects Donnie Freeman to play, but who knows what will happen in terms of his minutes, or effectiveness. While I think he’ll make a difference for the Orange in ACC play, I think it’s too soon for it to happen in this game. Clemson has size, experience and will force this game to be played at their pace. Free throw shooting proves costly again as Syracuse leaves points at the line in a close loss.
Sam: Clemson 71, Syracuse 64
Clemson has begun to make a habit of poor second halves (Cincinnati and BYU are the obvious offenders), but I think the Tigers jump out to a lead in the first and hold on, just like that Bearcats game.
Augie: Syracuse 63, Clemson 58
This game has low scoring written all over it. I think Syracuse will dictate the pace and it’s not going to be a pretty game, but I do think being at home and playing into the environment will give them the edge. I expect Kyle to be a monster inside and make it chaotic on both ends of the floor.
Max: Clemson 70, Syracuse 66
Until we see something different from the foul line, I can’t back the Orange to close out any conference game. Both defenses are among the best in the conference, so it’ll definitely be low-scoring and most likely close, but the Tigers shoot it a tad better and have the slight edge in the turnover battle to grab the win on the road.
Szuba: Clemson 75, Syracuse 62
After seeing Clemson go toe-to-toe with BYU in the Garden, I think Brad Brownell’s squad (underrated coach) is really tough, comprised of complimentary players although lacking a true star. The Tigers have won three straight including one over a defensively-tough Cincy team. Syracuse, meanwhile, had left much to be desired before heading into the Christmas break. I think the Orange can hang for much of the game but ultimately a balanced Tigers team locks in defensively and outdoes a struggling Syracuse offense.
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What’s your prediction for this afternoon?
