A classic CW collision
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
The Syracuse Orange (10-13, 4-8) return to the Dome to square off against the Boston College Eagles (10-12, 2-9). Tip-off is tomorrow at 3:15 pm on The CW and here’s what we’re watching for:
Kevin: A little more balance
Syracuse relied on JJ Starling down the stretch in the first meeting and we’d expect BC to force someone else to beat them. While Starling closed the deal, four other Orange players were in double-figures against the Eagles. It’s been a challenge for Syracuse to get multiple players going all year - can the Orange find some balanced scoring again?
Mike: What worked before...
When SU played in Chestnut Hill last month, they beat BC with a steady inside game that spread the ball around. Considering they are coming off a cold-as-can-be distance shooting performance against Duke, it’s a safe bet to go back to that strategy again Saturday. Eddie Lampkin should be well rested so have him glued to the offensive glass for second chances.
Dom: Attack the rim
Additional support for Starling on offense will obviously be the deciding factor, but the underrated stat from Syracuse’s previous game against BC: a 16/22 overall clip from the free throw line, including 13/14 in the second half. The Eagles don’t have the most elite outside shooting, but are certainly due to shoot better than the 4/16 from three performance it had last time around. Syracuse’s best way to get its points is not to outduel BC on the perimeter but put pressure on the rim and capitalize on the freebies.
Max: Secure the ball and take control
If you have not watched Boston College since their first meeting with the Orange, you did not miss much. The Eagles lost five of their last six since then and should have dropped all six if not for a Florida State collapse. As Mike and Dom outlined, BC’s defense isn’t great inside the arc (55.2% opponent shooting in conference play, third-worst in ACC per KenPom), so look for Syracuse to feast inside. If turnovers don’t come back to bite SU (19.4% rate during ACC play, worst in conference), the Orange should pull out another win.
