Beat writers expect Syracuse to snap losing streak with victory over Louisiana Tech
Logan Reidsma | Asst. Photo Editor
Forward Michael Gbinije and the Orange battle Louisiana Tech on Sunday.
Phil D’Abbraccio (6-2): Syracuse 61, Louisiana Tech 50
Technical difficulties
For Louisiana Tech, that is. Even with a shot-blocker in forward Michale Kyser, an effective distributor in Kenneth “Speedy Smith” and the second-best 3-point shooting percentage in Conference USA, Syracuse will prove too athletic for this mid-major opponent. The Orange comes away with a much-needed victory, snapping its two-game losing streak and picking up some semblance of momentum before taking on Villanova on Saturday.
Jesse Dougherty (6-2): Syracuse 65, Louisiana Tech 49
Tech no
Syracuse needs a little pick-me-up after back-to-back losses against Michigan and St. John’s, and it comes against the Bulldogs on Sunday. Louisiana Tech is no joke of a mid-major team, but it’s the kind of squad the Orange can pressure up top and get out on the break against. Expect Rakeem Christmas and Chris McCullough to control the paint, and for SU to pull away on the pair’s late-game production. Shooting woes persist, but a losing streak doesn’t.
Technically a win
Louisiana Tech gets hot from 3-point range, while Syracuse stays cold long enough to put a serious scare in the Orange. The Bulldogs boast Conference USA’s top scoring offense and is second in 3-point shooting with a 36.3 percentage. Control of the paint and a few too many runouts allow SU fans to go hope with a win, though hardly happy.
Published on December 14, 2014 at 3:56 pm
