Marquette hosts the Orange having lost their last two games, and four of their last six overall, with all of their losses being to teams ranked in the top 20 however. They are a team that even in late January are in the position where they are setting up to be on the bubble. They have come up short in some opportunities to get a signature win for that tournament push, but a win over Syracuse would be one of those wins. This might not be a better time, being at home and the Orange skidding.Both of these teams need the win, so who is going to get it and how? Well both teams have their keys to winning, and for Syracuse it starts with their zone and defensive output, like usual. They need to get out on the Marquette shooters, who are deadly when they get an open look. With Darius Johnson-Odom being the Golden Eagle's most dangerous outside shooter, they have Jae Crowder and Dwight Buycks who are both shooting it at over 40% from outside. Villanova and Seton Hall both showed that no matter what, if you are shooting it well from the outside Syracuse can be beaten. Both teams shooting over 70% from three in the first half against Syracuse and leading the game by double-digits at halftime.
Secondly, for Marquette to win they have to get Jimmy Butler the ball around
the foul line. If they are able to get the ball there they will find passing lanes in the zone that Pittsburgh was able to really exploit. Butler is also a player that really reminds me of Dante Cunningham from Villanova a couple of years ago. When Villanova got him the ball at that foul line Syracuse was seemingly unable to do anything. Butler is a player in that mold, extremely solid from 17 feet and in.For Syracuse to win they need to force turnovers, and get into transition. It is the same thing each game, get that ball into the open court and use your athletes. The past couple of games they have really struggled in the half court, and the more aggressive they are, and more turnovers they force, the better chance Syracuse has at easy points and getting out of a really tough environment with a win.
Secondly, the hook for the guards has to be quick. These past couple games Scoop Jardine has just not been playing well. Many people have a short fuse with Scoop, and I think it is a bit unfair, but these last two he has just not seemed to do much right. He is in a slump, so if he is having some trouble early, get him a break, a chance to see whats going on out there. Same with Brandon Triche and Dion Waiters when they take ill advised shots, or dribble into the double teams. They have to be aggressive, but play smarter on the offensive end.
Finally, Marquette does not have a big man that should be able to guard Rick Jackson. They really need to feed it to Jackson, especially given the struggles that the half court offense has been having. Against Villanova Jackson had a rough day with some turnovers, losing a couple of entry passes, and missing a dunk. You still have to get him the ball, and with the lack of size and depth at Marquette you have to let him go to work. It will also open up shots when the double teams inevitably come.
Marquette has the shooters to hurt the zone over the top, and the friendly confines at home will be a big help. Syracuse has to get back to the basics of their zone defense, that is what got them early wins, and what made them so special last year. Take advantage of the spots on the floor that they have the edge and they should come out with a win.
Prediction: Syracuse 74 Marquette 70
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