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Syracuse, NY – The Syracuse men’s basketball team opened as a two-point home favorite against nationally ranked Virginia Tech, according to the VegasInsider.com website.
The Orange (8-4, 2-3) welcomes the Hokies (11-2, 5-1) at noon in the Carrier Dome on Saturday. The game will be televised on various regional sports networks (YES Network in the Syracuse region).
Virginia Tech has had one of the best starts in the ACC and is currently ranked No. 16 in the Top 25 AP, the second year in a row the Hokies have had a surprisingly strong start. Virginia Tech holds victories over Villanova, Clemson and Duke, with losses coming against Penn State and Louisville.
This is Virginia Tech’s second season under head coach Mike Young. In its first season, the Hokies went their separate ways in two close games with Syracuse, with the road team each winning. Neither was decided by more than four points.
Like last year, Virginia Tech is shooting a lot from 3 points, taking over 40% of its shots behind the 3 point line, and the Hokies continue to connect to a solid clip (34.9%). Among the most dangerous shooters are second-year guards Hunter Cattoor (48.8%) and Jalen Cone (39%). Cone averaged 16.5 points in both games against the SU last season and is one of the best reserves in the ACC.
The Hokies improved on one of their weaknesses from last year by adding more size. While Syracuse will have the height advantage, Virginia Tech has improved their inside attack and rebound with the additions of 6-foot-9-inch Keve Aluma and 6-foot-7-inch Justyn Mutts. Alume leads the Hokies in points (14.8) and rebounds (7.3).
Syracuse is coming off a resounding victory over Miami and is badly in need of its first resumption win of the season. The Orange currently has no wins defined as Quad 1 or Quad 2 wins by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Syracuse has six chances for those victories in its next six games.
Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1639
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