Hoo's Next: Syracuse Orange

[All_Hoosiers 873]

In a rematch of last year's Sweet 16, the young Hoosiers will go on the road to play the fourth ranked team in the nation, Syracuse.Since the ACC/B1G Challenge schedule was released, Indiana Hoosier fans have been waiting anxiously for this game. For the first time since their defeat in the Sweet 16, the Hoosiers will square off against the Syracuse Orange.

Not only is this a chance for revenge for Indiana, it is a great test for the young Hoosiers, as they will go up against a menacing zone on the road against a top five team. If they win, this matchup will also be great résumé builder for IU once March rolls around.

Syracuse has had its share of struggles this season, most notably surviving a scare at home against St. Francis (NY). Looking much improved, the Orange recently played in the Maui Invitational, defeating Baylor in the championship game.

Senior C.J. Fair leads Syracuse. He is averaging 18 points and six rebounds per game, shooting 45% from the field. Sophomore Trevor Cooney is second on the team in scoring, averaging 14 points per game. Shooting 46% from three, Cooney is the Orange's best perimeter shooter. Scoring 14 points and grabbing seven boards per game, sophomore forward Jerami Grant anchors the Orange down low and should be apart of a great battle with Indiana freshman forward Noah Vonleh. Freshman guard Tyler Ennis runs the offense for Syracuse, and had a coming out party in Maui.

Once again, Indiana should dominate the boards, as Syracuse ranks 175^th in the nation in rebound. The Hoosiers grab 14 more rebounds per game than the Orange. Syracuse ranks 129^th in points per game, and 166^th in assists per game. Neither squad shoots the ball particularly well. Indiana is ranked 112^th in nation in field goal percentage, compared to 157^th ranked Syracuse.

In the battle of the KenPom rankings, Indiana holds an edge in adjusted defense: 10^th compared to 37^th. On the other hand, Syracuse is ranked seventh in adjusted offense, while Indiana is 90^th. The Orange are currently 13^th overall in the KenPom rankings, while the Hoosiers are 29^th. (kenpom.com)

Score Prediction: Indiana is not expected to win, and I can give no good reason why they will. While many are expecting a somewhat lopsided Syracuse victory, Syracuse fans have told me they’re expecting a close game. Few will predict an IU win, but I will. Gut feeling.

Indiana 71, Syracuse 65

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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

Wish my gut feeling was more like yours...

[BlueDevil 9,031]

Have to keep Trevor Cooney in check he will shoot from anywhere and everywhere. A poor mans Jordan Hulls he has a nice stroke.


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[JaybobHoosier 12,048]

Nice write up.  Can't wait for the game!

[LockdownD 2,246]

Have to keep Trevor Cooney in check he will shoot from anywhere and everywhere. A poor mans Jordan Hulls he has a nice stroke.Sent from my iPhone using BtownBanners

When I watched the Cuse play Minny in Maui, the defensive pressure put on Syracuse was very disruptive. Minnesota didn't have the depth to keep the intensity at a high level. I think our defense and depth is better than Minnesota and could be a major factor in winning this game. Can we play stifling defense without sending Syracuse to the foul line? We'll see.