A red-hot Syracuse Orange team will travel to play the struggling Boston College Eagles on Tuesday. Here’s what to watch for.
- Teams: Syracuse Orange (12-11, 6-6 ACC) v. Boston College Eagles (9-12, 4-7)
- Date: Tuesday, Feb. 8
- Game Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, MA
- Network: ACC Network
Saugat Sen
Fearless Prediction: Syracuse 88, Boston College 72
The Juice Online Season Record: 9-3 (ACC)
Tuesday’s matchup between Syracuse and Boston College features two teams headed in the opposite directions.
The Orange have won three straight games on the strength of its torrid offense, which is averaging 91.6 ppg during that span. At the center of the resurgence has been Buddy Boeheim’s incredible return to form. During the three-game win streak, Boeheim has shot 14 for 28 from 3-point land, and averaged 22.0 ppg.
But perhaps the most encouraging signs have been from Syracuse forward Cole Swider. He’s shot a nearly perfect 9 for 11 from distance in the last three games, and has raised his season 3-point field goal percentage to 38.2 percent. Compare that to the start of the season, when he was 3-22 through his first four games.
» Related: Syracuse routs Louisville for third straight win
The Eagles, on the other hand, have lost three out of their last four games, and have not been able to score more than 85 points this whole season.
Boston College lack a consistent scorer, but seniors James Karnik (8.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Makai Ashton-Langford (12.7 ppg) are likely to pace them at the Dome. The Eagles only have two players averaging in double figures, and are shooting just 30.8 percent from downtown. Their woeful offense was on display against Virginia last Tuesday, when they shot just 5-21 from beyond the arc in a 67-55 loss.
I see the Orange featuring Jesse Edwards, who is averaging 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds a game, early on in the game to get an early inside advantage. After, Buddy Boeheim will continue his hot shooting, and Syracuse will put Boston College away early for the Orange’s fourth straight win.
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