MBB | Vacation's over

By: Michael Bonner

Posted: 1/14/09

After starting its conference season against four of the worst teams in the league, Syracuse embarks on a stretch of four games against the Big East's best.

Wednesday: at No. 13 Georgetown 11-3 (2-2)

The Hoyas started the season 10-1 and were ranked as high as No. 9 after an 11-point win at No. 2 Connecticut. But now, Georgetown is 2-2 in conference play after losses to No. 1 Pittsburgh and No. 12 Notre Dame. It doesn't get any easier as the Hoyas host Syracuse tonight and then travel to No. 2 Duke Jan. 17. Head coach John Thompson III has turned to his stud freshman forward Greg Monroe, who leads the team in points per game (16.3) and rebounds per game (8.0) in conference play.

Saturday: No. 12 Notre Dame 12-3 (3-2)

When the Orange and Irish collide in the Carrier Dome, there will certainly be an explosion of points. The Irish lead the Big East in scoring, posting 81.6 points per game - just .3 ahead of Syracuse. It's not surprising, considering Luke Harangody leads the Big East in points per game with 24.8. Kyle McAlarney leads the Big East in 3-point baskets with 67. SU's Andy Rautins is second with 50. Even more daunting: last time the Fighting Irish made the trip up to Syracuse, they scored a record 103 points.

Jan. 19: at No. 1 Pittsburgh 15-0 (3-0)

For the first time in the Panthers history, they are the top-ranked team in the nation. Pitt is just one of three undefeated teams left in college basketball. The reason why? Pittsburgh is first in the Big East and fifth in the nation in scoring margin, steamrolling opponents by about 20 points a game. The Panthers are second in the nation in rebounding margin at 10.5. They are led by DeJuan Blair's 12.6 rebounds a game, third best in the nation. Offensively, Sam Young leads Pitt with 19 points a game, helped by Levance Fields' 6.7 assists per game, which is 10th in the country.

Jan. 25: No. 20 Louisville 12-3 (3-0)

The Cardinals don't have any players in the top 100 in the nation in scoring, field-goal percentage, 3-point field-goal percentage or free-throw percentage. But they still managed to start 3-0 in the Big East for the first time since joining the conference in 2005. Louisville is coming off its most impressive win of the season, beating Notre Dame in overtime Monday night, led by Terrence Williams' 24 points and 16 rebounds. Freshman Samardo Samuels, the Cardinals' leading scorer, was not far behind. He averages about 14 points and six rebounds a game.