Syracuse, NY – Syracuse’s men’s basketball team debuted as a home favorite with two points over nationally ranked Virginia Tech, according to VegasInsider.com.
Orange (8-4, 2-3) hosts Hokies (11-2, 5-1) at noon at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. The game will be televised on various regional sports networks (YES Network in the Syracuse area).
Virginia Tech had one of the best starts in the ACC and is currently ranked 16th in the AP Top 25, the second consecutive year that the Hokies have had a surprisingly strong start. Virginia Tech holds victories over Villanova, Clemson and Duke, with defeats against Penn State and Louisville.
This is Virginia Tech’s second season under coach Mike Young. During their first season, the Hokies shared a couple of tight games with Syracuse, with the road team winning each. None was decided by more than four points.
Like last year, Virginia Tech fires many 3-point shots, taking more than 40% of its shots behind the 3-point line, and the Hokies continue to connect in a solid clip (34.9 percent). Among the most dangerous snipers are second-year guards Hunter Cattoor (48.8 percent) and Jalen Cone (39 percent). Cone averaged 16.5 points in both games against SU last season and is one of ACC’s best reserves.
The Hokies improved one of their weaknesses last year, adding more size. While Syracuse will have the height advantage, Virginia Tech has updated its interior attack and rebound thanks to additions of 6 feet-9 Keve Aluma and 6 feet-7 Justyn Mutts. Alume leads the Hokies on points (14.8) and rebounds (7.3).
Syracuse are coming off a resounding victory over Miami and are in dire need of their first win of the season. Orange currently has no win defined as Quad 1 or Quad 2 by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. Syracuse has six opportunities to win those victories in the next six games.
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