There are five games left in the Big East season for Syracuse and Georgetown. Both teams are in a three way tie for first place with Marquette at (10-3). The Carrier Dome will be sold out with over 35,000 people in attendance. Carmelo Anthony will also be at the rivalry game to get his jersey retired. The winner of Saturday’s game will be a strong contender for a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, while the loser can be in a tie for third place by the end of the day. Both teams are currently ranked in the top 11.
The pace of play will be a major factor in the outcome of the game on Saturday. Syracuse is a completely different team when they are in transition. The Orange shots seem to fall more frequently when they get easy layups and dunks. Georgetown will likely play a methodical half court game as they try to dissect the Syracuse zone.
Georgetown is in the top 10 in scoring defense at 56 points per game, while Syracuse gives up 59. The big difference between the two teams comes on the offensive end. Syracuse averages 75 points compared to Georgetown’s 65 points per game. However, Georgetown is averaging 67 points per game in their last 11. The Hoyas last lost came over a month ago to South Florida.
While the leading scorers like Otto Porter and Brandon Triche get a lot of the pub, both teams are better when the other players are contributing on the offensive end. Syracuse has four players averaging double figures. Georgetown only has two current players getting more than 10 points per game.
With the loss of Gregg Whittington, the Hoyas have become more balanced on the offensive end.
Five Keys to winning for Syracuse
1. The Syracuse zone must be active and disrupt the Georgetown passing lanes.
2. The Orange must get into the transition game early.
3. Michael Carter-Williams must control the game on both ends of the floor
4. Keep Georgetown off the offensive glass.
5. Take good shots.
Five Keys to winning for Georgetown
1. Keep the pace slow and methodical.
2. Attack the glass on the offensive end.
3. Force Syracuse into contested jump shots.
4. Don’t turn the ball over.
5. No prolonged scoring droughts
Syracuse is at home and they will have the large crowd behind them. For a legitimate chance to win the Big East, the Orange must win the home game on Saturday. Georgetown has been winning everywhere lately, and they have won eight games in a row. Syracuse hasn’t lost at home since they lost to Georgetown over two years ago.
Syracuse 75
Georgetown 70
Georgetown vs Syracuse
When: Saturday, Feb. 23, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Carrier Dome
TV: CBS
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