The two teams are a combined 35-1, 10-0 in the Big East, and the winner will take a large step in the direction of winning the regular season title with this being their only match up
of the year. The game took a slight hit on Saturday, when Syracuse's Kris Joseph, the team's leading scorer, smacked his head one the dome floor as he fell. With concussion symptoms Joseph did not travel with the team and will not be able to play in the monster match.Those that will be playing though, they know that just because Joseph is not playing does not mean they have to stop, that the game has already been decided. They both have things that they will have to do in order to grab the victory and control of the Big East.
Syracuse
- In order for Syracuse to win they will have to rebound. Pittsburgh has a large and athletic front line that does a great job of rebounding. In order to prevent second chance points,
and get some run outs to beat they're great defense Syracuse will have to crash the boards. - The 2-3 zone has to play tight and close down the passing lanes. Pittsburgh is very unselfish and moves the ball extremely well as a unit, and they should be able to find holes in the zone that other teams do not.
- Also in the zone Syracuse has to recognize the shooters. Pittsburgh shoots the three very well, but their key is not taking bad shots. So the Orange have to find Ashton Gibbs and Brad Wannamaker on the perimeter, the two best shooters. If they are able to limit their open shots then they will be able to limit their success from beyond the arc.
- Play inside-outside more. Pittsburgh has a big front line, so Rick Jackson may not score as many points as he would like, but he has to get his touches. Syracuse has shooters that can spot up and step into their shot well, and the inside-outside part of their game will work well.
- Finally, the Orange can't be too aggressive, and need their freshman to step up on the road, which isn't a small task. With the injury to Joseph C.J. Fair will certainly see a lot more time as the first forward off the bench (assuming that James Southerland steps into the starting spot), and Dion Waiters will have to play within himself and under control. Fab Melo will be in a game that suits him with a bigger front line that Pittsburgh has, and both him and Baye Moussa-Keita will have to put rebounding into the forefront of their minds.
- For the Panthers to win they have to have patience against the zone. Pittsburgh
has the ball handlers, passers and shooters that are able to take their time and get open shots against the long and athletic Orange defenders. Jamie Dixon will put them in the right spots, and it is up to the players to execute. - They have to attack Rick Jackson and get him in foul trouble. With Joseph not playing the front line not only loses a leader, but they lose a body. If the Panthers are able to get Jackson in foul trouble they will be seeing a freshman in the middle, on the road, in a huge game. Along with a freshman and an inexperienced Sophomore on the wings. Rick Jackson is the key.
- Lastly the Panthers will have to limit their turnovers and protect the ball. Syracuse thrives off of turnovers and getting into the break and scoring in transition, where their athleticism is lethal. If the Panthers make them score in the half court it will slow them down, and their own stingy defense can limit the looks of the Orange.
Heart Prediction: Syracuse 72 Pittsburgh 65
Head Prediction: Pittsburgh 76 Syracuse 68
Let's see what will win out.
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