NFL Tickets
Schedule: Sunday, Mar. 20 (Time TBD)
Arena: Scottrade Center-St. Louis, Mo.
Line: Syracuse (-6.5)
After a crazy first round of tournament action, we approach the second round where we fix our eyes on a game many of us had no idea we’d see featuring the Syracuse Orange and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. If you’re completely out of your office pool or have already ripped the page your bracket was printed on in half, don’t feel bad. You’re not in the minority.
Many thought this would be a showdown between two perennial powers as it was a forgone conclusion that the Michigan State Spartans would be the opponent the Orange would be facing in round two. The Blue Raiders put the entire country on notice by showing they weren’t just satisfied with being in the tournament
What To Watch For: Syracuse
Head coach Jim Boeheim has been in quite the mood lately. He’s been very vocal about his displeasure at the fact that many have stated the Orange didn’t deserve to be in the tournament anyway. Well they are, and they’ve won their first game by dominating on the boards and relying on their well known zone defensive scheme. There’s no reason to believe that won’t continue in round two. Add to that, Boeheim will use the Blue Raiders and their upset victory as a tool to keep his team focused. The Spartans looked past the Blue Raiders. The Orange will target them.
What To Watch For: Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders march into Sunday’s contest after coming one point shy of hanging 50 in the second half on a team many thought would win it all. They’re aware of who Syracuse is. They’re aware of the zone, but with the momentum they’re building it may not matter much. Giddy Potts and Reggie Upshaw combined to score 40 on Friday, and they’ll need a similar effort on Sunday along with some help from one or two role players. If that happens, we may be looking at a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
The Blue Raiders are on a roll, and the Orange has a tendency to sleepwalk through stretches of the game that are important. Still, the Orange is the better team and more ready for this type of game.
Prediction: Syracuse 79, Middle Tennessee 73
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