Syracuse returns home to face Boston College on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2:00 p.m. (TV: ACCN). Ahead of the game, The Juice Online’s Saugat Sen gives his predictions below.
Saugat Sen
Season Record: 3-1
It’s been five games since Syracuse has notched back-to-back wins, but will have a chance to do so in their second matchup of the season against Boston College.
The first time, Syracuse routed the Eagles, 101-63, on Dec. 12, with Alan Griffin busting out for 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Orange shot 58 percent from the field. Boston College dropped to 1-5, and has continued to spiral since then.
BC is just 1-8 in conference play and 3-12 overall, though their lone ACC win did come in an 84-62 rout of Miami last week.
The Eagles have been more competitive as of late, losing by 12 to the ACC’s top team, Virginia, and nearly pulling off an upset before losing by one on the road against Duke earlier in the month. Some of the struggles have to do with the Eagles’ offense, which is the conference’s second worst shooting percentage at 42%.
» Related: Syracuse lands critical road win, holding off NC State
The Orange, on the other hand, is trying to polish up its resume to be on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. A win would put them one game over .500 in its conference record, and move them to as high as sixth in the standings.
Griffin starred for the Orange in the December matchup, and adding that to the 19 points he scored in a 77-68 win over NC State on Tuesday on 6-for-13 shooting, look for Griffin to torch the Eagles yet again.
With a steady increase in playing time from Kadary Richmond, it will be hard to keep the Orange from running away with this one, as Syracuse takes it with an 88-70 win over Boston College.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page, follow us @TheJuiceOnline and listen to our podcast.