Syracuse heads to South Florida for a matchup with the ‘Canes. Keep reading for a full Syracuse vs Miami prediction.
Syracuse leads the all-time series with Miami 20-12, winning their lone game versus the ‘Canes last season. The Orange took a team currently out of the ACC Tournament in Boston College at home to 3OT, winning 95-86. Syracuse now plays the worst team in the ACC in Miami on the road.
Game information:
Teams: Syracuse (11-13, 5-8) and Miami (5-18, 1-11)
Tip-off: 7 p.m. EST
Watch: ACCN
Listen: Syracuse Sports Network/ WCCP 105.5 FM
Latest on Miami basketball:
Miami currently sits in 18th place in the ACC standings, at 1-11, with their lone win coming against Notre Dame at home in early February. The Hurricanes can’t seem to get it going from deep, shooting 31.6% from beyond the arc (tied for 303rd in the country), and they don’t rebound well with 29.6 a game (tied for 315th in the nation).
The Hurricanes do few things great. It’s the reason they’ve lost to teams like Charleston Southern (9-17) and Mount St. Mary’s (13-10) in overtime. And can we blame them? Two-time Final Four head coach Jim Larranaga resigned halfway through the season. It’s tough out there for Miami after making back-to-back Elite Eights and a Final Four two years ago.
They’re one of the slower teams in the country at 65.9 possessions a game (tied for 254th in the country), but they make their free throws at least! (76.4%, good for 44th in the country).
Miami has no Quad 1 or 2 wins, and only 1 Quad 3 win (vs Notre Dame). Tonight they’ll have a shot to get their second.
With Nijel Pack out with a foot injury since early January, the ‘Canes have relied on guard Matthew Cleveland. He’s scored 21+ in the last six games. If he gets hot, watch out.
Latest on Syracuse basketball:
Syracuse basketball has won two of their last three games, with their loss coming against the mighty Duke Blue Devils last Wednesday night.
Their most recent test came against the lowly Boston College Eagles, who ‘Cuse took care of on the road in early January, 79-71. This time, it took ‘Cuse three extra frames to beat the Eagles, and a seven point deficit in the second OT.
Four Orange players finished in double figures, with JJ Starling leading the way with 28. Jyare Davis had 16 of his own. Syracuse struggled from the free throw line, shooting 18/32 (56%) on the afternoon. It nearly cost them the game. They were active on defense, knotting 10 steals (they average only 4.8 a game).
If Starling can efficiently score, Syracuse can contain ‘Canes guard Matthew Cleveland, and the Orange can keep this game on the faster side, they should beat the worst team in the ACC.
Syracuse vs Miami prediction: Orange by 4
The fact that this is on the road scares me. Especially after barely surviving a not great Boston College team in 3OT. But Miami can’t hit threes. Even more so than Syracuse. If Syracuse makes their free throws they can close this game out late. If not, things could get interesting in Coral Gables… Also Miami is favored (-2.5). So, that’s not fun either.