Monday Jan 23 NCAA Picks: Syracuse Orange vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Monday, January 23, 2012
by Joe Rodriguez
The No. 1 Syracuse Orange showed plenty of weaknesses in its first loss Saturday. Now it must try to show resiliency as it enters another hostile environment at Cincinnati.
Syracuse's school-best 20-game win streak was snapped by a disciplined Notre Dame team that caught fire from behind the 3-point arc. The Orange's 2-3 zone was frail on the back line with the loss of 7-footer Fab Melo, who will miss Monday's game as well due to reported academic issues.
Cincinnati is coming off a loss of its own, but features four scorers in double figures and plays smart with the ball, much like Notre Dame.
The Cincinnati Bearcats average just 10.5 turnovers per game, fewest in the Big East.
- Syracuse Orange @ Cincinnati Bearcats
When: 7:00 PM ET, Monday, January 23, 2012
Where: Fifth Third Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
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Justbet Sportsbook currently have the Orange listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Bearcats.
Syracuse Orange (20-1): Notre Dame held Syracuse to a season-low in field-goal percentage (34.0) and field goals made (18), but perhaps the most embarrassing aspect of the 67-58 loss was the lack of leadership. Neither senior point guard Scoop Jardine nor leading scorer Kris Joseph was very vocal during the second half, as the Orange looked disorganized on both ends and settled for contested 3-pointers. Both players need to step up their scoring against the Bearcats, whom the Orange defeated 67-52 at home last season. However, Syracuse used a 7-for-8 performance from big man Rick Jackson in that contest. Jackson, of course, has graduated so the loss of Fab Melo really hurts in this matchup. Syracuse does not have an interior scorer to take advantage on the blocks.
Cincinnati Bearcats (15-5): The Bearcats won't be intimidated by Syracuse, as they've won their past three games against ranked teams – all on the road. Cincinnati, off to its best start in Big East play since joining the conference in 2005-06, can jump into first place with a victory Monday night. It has perhaps the most balanced scoring Syracuse will face all season; four players reached double figures in a 77-74 overtime loss to West Virginia on Saturday. Big man Yancy Gates, who went just 1 of 6 in last year's meeting, could see a lot of favorable looks underneath against a soft interior that now features freshman Rakeem Christmas instead of Fab Melo.
1. Syracuse builds momentum by takeaways in the backcourt. Cincinnati point guard Cashmere Wright, though, has just 17 turnovers in his last 11 games.
2. Like the Irish, the Bearcats can be lethal from long range. They rank second in the conference in 3-point shooting percentage (36.8) and lead in made 3-pointers (162).
3. Syracuse leads the all-time series 6-2 and has won three straight over Cincinnati.
BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Orange 71, Bearcats 65.
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cashmere wright - cincinnati bearcats - fab melo - fifth third arena - kris joseph - rakeem christmas - rick jackson - scoop jardine - syracuse orange - yancy gates
