Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball: Predictions and Poll vs. UAlbany

The Syracuse Orange (4-4) will look to break .500 tonight when they host the UAlbany Great Danes (6-4). The game tips at 7:00 on ESPN2 from the JMA Wireless Dome and here’s what we’re predicting here:

Cathedral: Syracuse 84, UAlbany 72

While UAlbany has some talent on the perimeter and will at least put some points on the board, even though Syracuse’s offense looked shaky at times, there’s little reason to believe the Orange won’t put up at least 75 points against this defense . This will be similar to the Cornell game, where it was close in the first half, but Syracuse got out to a decent lead and managed to stay ahead after halftime.

Microphone: Syracuse 80, UAlbany 73

Until a game actually goes differently this season, I’ll always predict the same thing: The Orange get closer than they should be, but in the end the more talented squad manages to get a lead big enough to put it away. There should I’ll have a better overall shooting performance than I did against Notre Dame, and I’m hoping Adrian Autry has the best hands all night, but also doesn’t hesitate to make substitutions if other guys stay cold.

Kevin: Syracuse 84, UAlbany 79

Hopefully the Orange coaching staff took Choppa Moore aside on the flight back from South Bend and told him he needed to look to score. I also hope the staff told Chris Bell to stop worrying about scoring goals and just play the game. Look for Bell to get early looks and see the ball go through the net. The Great Danes will get enough offense themselves to make this game close. I don’t see how you can peg Syracuse for a double-digit regulation win until they prove it.

Szuba: Syracuse 82, UAlbany 75

We know Syracuse’s defense hasn’t been up to standard this season, but UAlbany’s defense is much worse, ranking 243rd (KenPom) and 276th (Torvik) in the country. Syracuse should be able to shoot the ball inside and possess the glass. Look for the freshmen and Davis to continue their solid play. This should be the type of game where the Orange try to get Bell going offensively.

Sam: Syracuse 88, UAlbany 79

Unlike the last game where I expected both teams to struggle on offense, I think this is a game where both teams will struggle on defense. We’ll have a lot of commentary on the site about how the UAlbany guards beat the SU guards off the dribble, but Syracuse will have enough to take the win.

Maximum: Syracuse 83, Albany 74

This is another great opportunity for the Orange to rediscover their shooting style. The Great Danes have one of the worst defenses in the country and allow their opponents an effective shooting rate of over 58% (356th). SU’s defense is already patchy, but I think Bell is finally breaking out offensively and making up for a few defensive mistakes. It will come down to the wire (as it always does), but Autry’s crew should stick with their in-state opponent.

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