The Syracuse Orange (12-5, 3-1) head east on I-90 to take on the Boston College Eagles (7-10, 0-4) tomorrow afternoon. The game tips at 2:00 on the ACC Network and here’s what we’re watching for
Kevin:
Focus on defense
Donald Hand and Fred Payne are taking 25 shots per game and are the focal points of BC’s offense. The Orange need to communicate on defense and try and force other players to step up. Payne’s been on a hot stretch in ACC play and Syracuse needs to keep him from getting going early and giving BC hope.
Sam: Under 60
In a similar note to Kevin, I think this should be a game where Syracuse finds its defensive identity and leans into it to run BC into the ground. The Eagles are dead last in the ACC in offense, and 281st nationally. SU’s goal should be Boston College’s score to be in the 50’s or lower and to force long defensive possessions that end with defensive rebounds.
Dom: Put the game away for good
Boston College sits at the bottom of the barrel in the ACC. Syracuse should *comfortably put this away at least by the start of the second half. The worst-case scenario entering this contest with a three-game ACC winning streak is getting “too cute”, losing that effort defensively and allowing the Eagles to hang around. For many of us, defense is the key with Syracuse having a recent stretch where it’s scoring the ball more, but also allowing opponents to do the same.
Szuba: Cool the hot Hand
No, I’m not talking about Donnie Freeman. The key for this game? Shut down Donald Hand Jr. Boston College is 4-9 when Hand shoots below 40% from the field. Fred Payne can go get buckets too and the Orange will need to limit the Eagles backcourt, but the veteran Hand leads the way for this BC team. If Syracuse can lock in defensively on Hand it shouldn’t have too much trouble getting out of Conte Forum with a win. Let’s get in and out efficiently so we can all watch the Bills game in peace.
Max: Free-throw shooting advantage?
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but recent trends make the Orange the better free-throw shooting team in this one. BC is last so far in conference play with a putrid 57.7% rate at the stripe, while SU’s 76.1% mark is fourth best. Syracuse should still have plenty of advantages elsewhere, but if things go awry, improvements at the foul line could be a sneaky edge that put the visitors over the top.
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What are you watching for tomorrow?
