Reasons why we’re going to beat Duke tonight
d00k sucks
Duke and Syracuse enter tonight’s clash in Cameron Indoor Stadium trending in different directions.
Syracuse is coming off an 83-55 win over Wake Forest on Saturday— its largest win by point differential in ACC history. Duke has lost its last two games to Clemson and Notre Dame after starting out 3-0 in the ACC.
These are the real reasons we’re going to win tonight.
We have better game fashion
We have better tweets
Coach Boeheim is back
For real though, let’s take a deeper look at tonight’s chances.
Syracuse on Offense
While Duke will enter the game as the favorite, Syracuse has the talent to pull off an upset if the team plays well. Offensively, point guard Michael Gbinije must have a big game for Syracuse to win. After shooting just under 29 percent from the field in Syracuse’s first four ACC games, Gbinije has averaged 14.5 points per game on about 59 percent shooting in its last two.
Syracuse must also attack the basket off of the dribble. The injury to Duke forward Amile Jefferson has left Duke precariously thin in the front court. Foul trouble to forward Brandon Ingram, or center Marshall Plumlee could turn the tide in Syracuse’s favor.
Syracuse on Defense
Duke has averaged about 82 points per game in ACC play, so Syracuse has its hands full on defense. Syracuse must contain Duke shooting guard Grayson Allen to limit Duke’s high powered offense. The All American candidate averages over 20 points per game on the season– but has averaged just 12 points per game on about 40 percent shooting in Duke’s four losses.
When Allen struggles offensively, so does Duke.
The prediction
Unfortunately winning in Cameron Indoor stadium is very difficult.
Duke’s loss to Notre Dame on Saturday was just its second conference loss at home since the 2012-2013 season. Duke will be refocused after their two losses and will be ready to face one of its biggest rivals.
Syracuse will keep the game close in the first half, but Duke will pull away with its offensive firepower in the second half.
Duke will beat Syracuse 74-65.
Let’s hope I’m wrong.