NC State vs. Syracuse | ACCT | Gameday Preview and How to Watch

NC State Wolfpack (#9) vs. Syracuse (#8)
Time: 12:00 PM  (Perfect for that longggg lunch)
Location: Greensboro Coliseum, NC
TV: ACCN
Line: Syracuse -2.5

Preview of Syracuse:

Syracuse is currently sitting squarely on the bubble at 15-8 and 9-7 in the ACC.  With a loss for either team, the chances for an at-large berth in the big dance are likely over. This means we are likely to see two very hungry teams clawing for additional basketball.  So far Syracuse has swept the season series with the Pack, winning a tight one at their place 76-73, and then winning again a few days later 77-68 at NC State. In both games, you saw the Orange dominate in the final 10 minutes using their sheer size advantage over the Pack.

Syracuse comes out with a balanced attack on the offensive end but is often led by the gunslinger Buddy Boeheim, who if hot, can cause huge problems for the defense (especially ones with smaller guards).  He will be a focus for the NC State defense as he has turned things up of late, shooting over 40% from three and averaging over 20 points over his last 5 games.  Against the Pack already this year, he is shooting over 50% from three.

After that, Syracuse runs out a long, tall team that causes teams fits with their zone defense.  Alan Griffin, their second leading scorer, has been a thorn in the side of NC State this season, averaging over 20 points a game against them.  He is a long, athletic foward that can knock down shots.  State will need to keep him in check as well if they want to take this one.

Syracuse will come out with their zone defense. which has them second in the league in turnovers forced.  Their length, speed, and understanding of spacing makes it hard for teams to get off good shots against them..  They force you to take tough, long shots, from spots on the floor you’re not used to shooting from, while at the same time forcing passes into tight lanes.  If Syracuse can get you to take quick contested 3s and turn the ball over, you likely lose.

For a more in-depth breakdown of the Syracuse zone and what NC State needs to do to come away with a. win, check out our scouting report from earlier this week.