#14 Buffalo (10-0) will travel to Syracuse, New York to take on the Orange in a big time matchup. The Buffalo Bulls are coming off of a good performance against Southern Illinois, who are sitting at 7-5 currently. And for Syracuse, they are wanting to avenge a loss to ODU earlier this weekend.
How Buffalo Can Win
Play like an undefeated team. This may seem very vague as a statement, but you can pick what you want from it. An undefeated team usually plays well-rounded and like they haven’t lost before. This means shooting is above average, rebounding is great, and ball movement comes naturally. If Buffalo can play like a real undefeated team and they’re not pretenders, they will have no troubles tonight.
How Syracuse Can Win
Shoot at a higher percentage and move the ball around more. Syracuse has been lacking as of recently when it comes to the usual shooting team they are. Syracuse is now shooting at a 41.4% and assists numbers sit at 12.5 a game. I think if Syracuse can get these under wraps and get ready for an upset in the dome, they’ll be just fine.
Players to Watch
Buffalo: G CJ Massinburg has been the shooting leader for Buffalo and serves as a starting guard. As as senior, I am sure that Massinburg will want to add a win against an ACC team into his column. Massinburg averages 17.1 points a game, 7.1 rebounds, and shoots at a 48%. This senior guard will need to be doing his usual routine for a Buffalo win.
Syracuse: G Tyus Battle is the starting shooting guard for the Syracuse Orange and is a key factor in winning. With ball movement being an issue, Battle will need to be doing more of that and feeding the paint. Battle averages 1.9 assists a game, which isn’t what Syracuse needs, but his point average is at 18.5 a game. Watch for Battle to be on his A-game to pull off the upset.
Score Prediction
As of recently, Buffalo hasn’t been playing the best against some really bad teams. Same could be said for Syracuse, but they have been competing extremely hard, with some notable wins against Ohio State and Georgetown. I see Syracuse trailing a small portion, until mid-way through the 2nd half. Then the Orange will turn on the heat we saw against Ohio State. Syracuse hands Buffalo their first loss on the season. Syracuse 74, Buffalo 70
Photo Credits: https://www.ubbullrun.com/buffalo-basketball/2017/7/20/16004180/buffalo-bulls-mens-basketball-releases-non-conference-schedule
