As the regular season winds down, Syracuse University's basketball teams are gearing up for their respective battles in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournaments. With both squads eyeing strong finishes, there's plenty to unpack.
Women's Program
The Orange women have had a stellar season, boasting a 21-7 overall record and an 11-6 mark in ACC play. As they prepare for their final regular-season clash against Boston, currently at the bottom of the standings, they're aiming to solidify their position for the NCAA Tournament. Projected as a No. 9 seed, the team is keen on improving its seeding with a win.
In the standings, Syracuse finds itself in a competitive five-way tie for fifth place:
- Duke (16-1 ACC)
- Louisville (15-2 ACC)
- North Carolina (13-4 ACC)
- NC State (12-5 ACC)
- Syracuse (11-6)
- Tied with Virginia Tech, Clemson, Virginia, and Notre Dame
The Orange have shown consistency, defeating teams they were expected to beat. Their losses have come against the top four teams and peers like Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, highlighting the competitive nature of the conference.
Men's Program
On the men's side, it's been a challenging season under Adrian Autry. Sitting at 15-13 overall and 6-9 in ACC play, Syracuse faces an uphill battle to make the NCAA Tournament, likely needing a championship run in the ACC tournament in Charlotte, N.C.
Their upcoming games against Wake Forest and Pittsburgh are crucial. Here's a look at the current standings:
- Duke (14-1 ACC)
- Virginia (13-2)
- Miami (11-4)
- North Carolina (10-5)
- Tied with Clemson and NC State
Louisville (9-6) 8.
Cal (8-7) - Tied with SMU
- Virginia Tech (7-8)
- Tied with Florida State
Stanford (6-9) - Tied with Syracuse
The men's team has managed wins over Cal, SMU, and Florida State, with additional victories against teams trailing them like Notre Dame, Pitt, and Georgia Tech. These results reflect a season of ups and downs, with potential changes on the horizon for the program.
As both teams head into the ACC tournaments, the stakes are high. The women's team looks to enhance their NCAA seeding, while the men aim for a dramatic finish to keep their postseason hopes alive. It's all about seizing the moment, and Syracuse fans will be watching closely.