Closing out 2024 with an ACC game
Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
The Syracuse Orange (6-6, 0-1) are back home tomorrow to end 2024 against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (9-4, 1-1). The game tips off at 2:00 ET on ESPN2 and here’s what we’re watching for in this one:
Kevin: Hunt for Hunter
Too often this season, the Orange have failed to recognize the other team’s top scoring threat. Hunter Sallis enters this game averaging 17.8 points per game and accounting for over 25% of Wake’s points. Syracuse has to take the approach of making someone else beat them tomorrow afternoon. That means the communication on screens has to be clear and effective because if not, Sallis is going to find himself with plenty of chances to raise his scoring average.
Dom: Defense will be the key
Whoever wins, the final score isn’t going to as pretty as you would think. Wake Forest is actually scoring the second-fewest points of any team in the ACC, but on the flip side, the Demon Deacons rank third-best in opponent points per defense (only trailing Duke and Virginia). Syracuse offense especially in its frontcourt is going to need to be sound to have a chance, but this whole game is just going to come down to the Orange’s defense holding steady against a low-scoring but still potent Wake Forest team.
Mike: Wear and Tear
The shorthanded Orange will need to bring Wake down to their level and that means taking away any lanes to the basket early. The Deacs make threes at the lowest rate (26.5%) of any Power program, so crowd the paint and make them settle for the mid range looks. Then it'll be up to Eddie Lampkin to maneuver around 7-foot Efton Reid and win the battle of the boards.
Sam: Donnie
Szuba: 3-ball
What a way to start out conference play in earnest, as two of the nation’s poorest three-point shooting teams square off against one other on New Year’s Eve. Wake Forest is the worst P4 team at shooting the long ball, connecting at a lowly 26.5% from outside while Syracuse is slightly better not as bad at 29.1%. Wake takes more threes per game than Syracuse, but for whichever team wins the game within the game, will it affect the outcome?
Max: Make Kiyan proud (and excited to join the team next year)
It’s been known for the last week that Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo and recent Syracuse 2025 commit, will attend this game. If I’m Adrian Autry, I’d want my team to come out firing on all cylinders, giving the top prospect a glimpse of the future. Unlike the games Kiyan saw SU play at the Legends Classic in Brooklyn, this contest is much more winnable against a Wake Forest team that can’t buy a bucket from three. Keep the players engaged, play a full 40 minutes and we’ll regain some hope for next season.
