The Syracuse Orange, entering the ACC Tournament as the 14th seed, are gearing up to face the 11th seed SMU Mustangs this afternoon. Their last encounter was a nail-biter, with Syracuse edging out a 79-78 victory thanks to Nate Kingz's clutch drive in the final seconds.
However, since that thrilling win, the Orange haven't tasted victory again. Both teams are now on losing streaks, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Charlotte.
Tip-off is set for 4:30 pm on the ACC Network, with the winner advancing to face Louisville tomorrow at 2:30. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
Kevin: Will Syracuse Rise to the Occasion?
The Orange have had their struggles, but it doesn’t seem like they’ve thrown in the towel on each other or their coaches. The big question is whether they can muster consistent fight now that it’s do-or-die time.
This game is more than just a chance to extend their season; it's an opportunity for players to make a lasting impression on the incoming coaching staff. Will they seize this moment, or is it time to head back to Syracuse and regroup?
Dom: A Chance for Redemption
Back in February, Syracuse pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Mustangs. Fast forward nearly a month, and the Orange are still searching for another win.
SMU, meanwhile, is desperate to bolster its tournament resume and will come out swinging, fueled by urgency and a thirst for revenge. Syracuse needs to match that intensity from the tip, or they could find themselves in a deep hole early.
In their previous matchup, Syracuse relied heavily on a 2-3 zone defense. While it wasn't entirely effective, it did manage to contain Boopie Miller, holding him to a season-low 11 points.
Will Coach Autry stick with the zone this time around? Additionally, player availability could be a factor-Sadiq White is probable to play, and Kiyan Anthony is questionable.
Anthony was key in Syracuse’s second-half comeback in their last meeting. Will we see these players back in action today?
As the Orange take the court, fans will be watching closely to see if they can recapture the magic of their last win against SMU and keep their tournament hopes alive.