Syracuse Orange Men's Basketball: Predictions and Polls vs. Virginia Tech Hokies

The Syracuse Orange (18-10, 9-8) will play in the ACC tournament when the Virginia Tech Hokies (15-12, 7-9) visit the Dome for a game at 7 p.m. on ESPNU An important game will be held that will determine the seeding rights and impact on the postseason. .

The following may occur:

Kevin: Syracuse 79, Virginia Tech 76

Syracuse's perimeter defense will need to step up in this game, but I think the Orange's ability to get to the rim will be the difference. This should be another opportunity for Quadir Copeland and Judah Mintz to get to the basket early and often. If that happens, JJ Sterling and Chris Bell will have a chance. The Hokies have shooters, but they don't turn the ball over and are not a strong rebounding group. If Orange can prevent the heat from deep inside, he should be able to win.

maximum: Syracuse 72, Virginia Tech 66

These two teams are going in opposite directions. Virginia Tech has struggled on the road as of late, giving up an average of 11.5 points in its past four games. The Orange, on the other hand, will be aiming for their 14th home win for the first time in six years. Neither team rebounds well, and while VT maintains a shooting advantage, SU has fewer turnovers and plays more aggressive defense. The Hokies can't rely on outside shots against a tough Orange team that will likely snatch another win at the Dome.

fin: Syracuse 76, Virginia Tech 74

As Kevin said, this should be a game where the 'Cuse's offense can thrive inside. Virginia Tech has allowed opponents to score on 322-of-631 shots (51%) from inside the arc this season and lacks elite rim protection and shot blocking inside. The Orange are expected to be aggressive with their inside defense, which only has one or two players over 6-foot-9 (Lynn Kidd and Robbie Beran). I expect a lot of easy buckets to lead the Orange to a close victory.

Dom: Syracuse 76, Virginia Tech 71

For the Orange, crashing the boards and avoiding cold streaks on offense will be a negative factor this time around. The home crowd needs to create an environment where they can feel the momentum of play. Mintz and Sterling will get a lot of attention around the rim, and the rest of the team should be able to help as needed. If the Orange can keep turnovers low and not give the Hokies easy offense, Syracuse should be able to get a win at home.

Zuba: Virginia Tech 77, Syracuse 74

This is as close to must-win territory as Syracuse has been all season. However, Virginia Tech is a talented offensive team, and I'm not sure if Syracuse can muster the defensive stops needed to come away with a win. Hunter Kattore is as good as any shooter in the league, and Sean Pedulla represents Syracuse's troubles in ball screen coverage. Additionally, Kidd and Maylijael Poteet are likely to be matchup problems for the Orange's lower-tier teams. Syracuse will be able to score behind Mintz and Sterling, but ultimately they won't be able to handle it because Virginia Tech's offense will be too intense and Syracuse's defense will not be able to answer the bell.

Now it's your turn: