BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Syracuse @ St. John's

February 12, 2006


St John's has lost five straight games, but they had a tough task of going on the road for all but one of those games. Now, they return home to meet the Syracuse Orange in a possible make or break game for their season. The post-season is a defenite goal of St. John's, but to assure themselves of a trip to NYC for the Big East tournament or a shot at an NIT bid, finding a way to win their home games is a must.

For Syracuse, their season looks to be clearly on the brink. At 4-5 in the conference, things are looking a little bleak for the Orange, who have lost five or their last six, however, those four teams (UConn 2x, Pitt, Nova and SHU) have a combined conference record of 29-8! So, it is not like Syracuse has been losing to the teams below them in the standings. So, this is a big test to see how the Orange will respond.

To read our preview and see our game prediction, click read more below and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section!

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One things that I think is key in this game is the Syracuse zone. St. John's is not a good perimeter shooting team at all and if the Orange can force the Redstorm to settle for the perimeter jump shot, it could be a struggle for St John's to reach 50 pts. St. John's is quick and strong defensively and I look for them to bother SU's perimeter players, Gerry McNamara, Eric Devendorf and Demetris Nichols with some tough defense from Daryll Hill, Eugene Lawrence, Cedric Jackson and Anthony Mason, forcing the Orange big men to do some of the damage.

This game is going to be a grind. Whichever team gets some sort of effeciency from the perimeter and a big man to step up has to be the winner in this game. I think it is more likely that it will be Syracuse from the perimeter, but against the zone, look for St John's to have the inside edge.

With some internal team issues (Louie McCroskey), one has to question Syracuse's mindset. However, with three juniors and a senior in the starting line-up, I think they do pull together and regroup after their thumping at UConn. St John's offense, especially against the Georgetown zone, has me worried about their ability to put any points up.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 59 St John's 54