It’s time for The Juice Online’s annual exchange with Ivy Hoops Online since another edition of Cornell-Syracuse is upon us. And it’s an extra special edition this year, since this is Boeheim Bowl III headlined by Cornell junior forward Jimmy Boeheim, Syracuse sophomore Buddy Boeheim and Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim.
Here’s their take on the Syracuse side of the Boeheim Bowl III (Be sure to check out TJO’s Syracuse scouting report for this matchup at Ivy Hoops Online):
The Juice Online: Tell us about Ivy Hoops Online.
Michael Tony: Ivy Hoops Online is a blog that has provided a colorful take on Ivy League basketball since 2011.
TJO: What are the major storylines with Cornell coming into this season?
MT: There’s a different shade of Big Red this season.
Coming off a CIT appearance that marked Cornell’s first postseason tournament since the historic 2010 Sweet 16 run, the Big Red no longer enjoy the services of Matt Morgan, second-leading scorer in Ivy League history who now plays for the NBA G League affiliate for the Toronto Raptors with former Syracuse forward Oshae Brissett, or defensive stalwart Steven Julian.
Now the Big Red’s leading scorer is one Jimmy Boeheim, now a junior notching 15.3 points plus four rebounds in 32.5 minutes per game while starting at the four.
» Related: At one time in history, Syracuse basketball traveled to Cornell
But even teams led by a Boeheim struggle every now and then, and this Big Red squad sitting at 1-3 is no different. Cornell’s adjusted defensive efficiency is sub-300 and easily the worst Syracuse has faced so far this season according to KenPom. They’re a disciplined offensive team that has nonetheless struggled with outside shooting. Cornell was picked to finish seventh (out of eight) in the Ivy League Preseason Media Poll, and the Big Red haven’t done much so far to suggest they’re much better than that projection.
TJO: Who are Cornell’s standout players?
MT: Besides Boeheim, there’s senior center Josh Warren, who’s averaging 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game so far, and junior guard Terrance McBride, who’s pitched in 14.5 points, 3.3 assists and three boards per contest. Senior forward Thurston McCarty is 7-for-15 from downtown so far, tied with Boeheim for most team treys.
TJO: Tell us your predictions for the game.
MT: Jimmy will outscore Buddy. But as usual, the Big Red will struggle with Syracuse’s length on defense, and their outside shooting just hasn’t been good enough so far, especially for a team that attacks often from three-point land as Ivies typically do. Last season, the Red led the Orange by one with 7:33 to play. Syracuse folks shouldn’t expect such a scare this time. Two Boeheims beat one, 78-57.
TJO: Bonus question: over/under on how many times ACC Network Extra broadcast mentions that Jim Boeheim is coaching Buddy Boeheim, his son, and against Jimmy Boeheim, his other son?
MT: Both Boeheims have become greater contributors since they last met on Dec. 1, so the bevy of Boeheims will be noted early and often. I’ll multiply the number of times that Boeheim has been mentioned in this Q&A so far, 11, by three (one for each Boeheim playing or coaching) for a grand total of 33 Boeheim versus Boeheim allusions in general.
Make sure to check out the Syracuse scouting report for this matchup at Ivy Hoops Online.
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