Read below for a full Syracuse vs Notre Dame prediction and preview.
ACC play is finally here. When Syracuse basketball makes the trip to South Bend to face Notre Dame it will be a return to familiarity for both sides.Â
The Orange play their second straight road game against a Power 5 opponent. While Notre Dame returns home on a five-game skid.
Game Information:
Teams: Syracuse (4-3) and Notre Dame (4-5)
Tip Time: Noon ESTÂ
Watch: The CW
Listen: The Notre Dame Radio Network
Latest on Notre Dame basketball:
Notre Dame basketball awaits the start of ACC play and an opportunity to play their first home game since Nov. 22. The Fighting Irish started the season comfortably, winning their first four games, but a home loss to Elon started a skid. Putting the losing streak aside, a positive for Notre Dame is the strength of the schedule. With close losses to Rutgers, #6 Houston, #21 Creighton, and Georgia, entering conference play may be a great opportunity for the Fighting Irish to kick-start their season.
Notre Dame basketball has three players averaging in double-figures, but the biggest question mark is Markus Burton. The Preseason All-ACC First Team player has missed the last three games with an MCL injury. Without Burton on the floor, Notre Dame has relied on Braeden Shrewsberry and Tae Davis as their primary scoring options. Both Shrewsberry and Davis have scored in double figures in each of the last four games
Another name to watch? Matt Allocco. A sharpshooter that can catch fire at any time. He kept the Irish alive going 6/9 from three in an OT loss to Rutgers, 85-84.
Latest on Syracuse basketball:
Syracuse basketball entered the season with high hopes, but they have struggled to meet expectations in the first month of the season. However, a trip to Purcell Pavilion makes another opportunity for the orange to pick up their first Power 5 and conference win of the season.
One of the biggest question marks for Syracuse basketball this season has been their shooting from behind the arc. The Orange have struggled to hit from deep, shooting just 27% on the season. Their primary shooters from three have been Elijah Moore and Chris Bell, who is slowly working his confidence back from distance. But without JJ Starling, the Orange will have to find consistency from distance if they want to start the turnaround.
After JJ Starling’s early-week wrist injury, the Orange are in search of another primary scorer. Without Starling on the floor, Chris Bell and Donnie Freeman are the only other players averaging in double figures. In the first six games of the regular season, Starling averaged 19.8 points. Elijah Moore has also stepped up for the Orange in the previous two games. Moore put up a career-high 19 points in a win over Cornell just to set a new personal best, with 24 on the road at #3 Tennessee.Â
If Syracuse wants to find success, they have to find some consistency in the absence of Starling. Someone has to step up to get the Orange their first win in ACC play. And we think they have enough depth to get out of South Bend with a win.