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Can Syracuse Basketball Turn Things Around in the ACC Tournament?
As the Syracuse basketball team gears up for their crucial matchup against Virginia Tech, the stakes couldn't be higher in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Both teams find themselves in the lower half of the standings, but this Saturday's game will have significant implications for the upcoming ACC tournament. With Syracuse holding a tenuous position, fans are eager to see if they can clinch a spot in the tournament this year.
Syracuse holds a record of 12-16 overall and 6-11 in the ACC, recently snapping a three-game losing streak with an impressive 80-69 win against NC State. This victory was pivotal for the Orange, as it not only boosted their morale but also kept alive their hopes of participating in the ACC tournament. A win against Virginia Tech would be a massive step toward securing that coveted tournament berth, avoiding the embarrassment of being one of the three teams left out in a season that has seen the ACC expand to 18 teams while maintaining a 15-team tournament format.
In this context, Syracuse isn’t the only team with a lot on the line. Virginia Tech, also at 12-16 but with a slightly better conference record of 7-10, is embroiled in a multi-team battle for a first-round bye. As the teams meet at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, VA, basketball enthusiasts will be keenly watching this matchup unfold at noon, live on the CW Network.
Key Player: JJ Starling
One of the most crucial elements for Syracuse's success lies with junior guard JJ Starling, who has been a standout player this season. Currently leading the Orange in scoring and ranking fifth in the ACC with an average of 18.4 points per game, Starling's performance is critical for Syracuse's chances in the tournament.
Interestingly, the statistics show a dramatic difference in Syracuse's performance depending on Starling's efficiency. In the six ACC victories, he’s averaged an impressive 21.8 points, shooting 45.4% from the field. Conversely, during the nine losses, his scoring plummeted to 15.2 points with a mere 35.5% shooting percentage. This trend underscores the importance of getting Starling into the lane where he can attack the basket effectively. Without his scoring prowess, Syracuse may find it challenging to secure a win against Virginia Tech.
Injury Concerns: Virginia Tech's Mylyjael Poteat
On the other side of the court, Virginia Tech is facing uncertainty with their key player, center Mylyjael Poteat. Poteat, who has been a reliable contributor with an average of 9.6 points and 4 rebounds per game, is questionable for the game due to a recent knee injury. His absence could greatly affect Virginia Tech’s game plan, particularly in a matchup expected to feature a battle of the big men against Syracuse's Eddie Lampkin.
If Poteat is unable to play, Virginia Tech's coach Mike Young may have to rely on 7-foot sophomore Patrick Wessler, who performed admirably in Poteat's absence against Louisville. This situation could lead to a significant shift in how Virginia Tech approaches the game, given that they may need to adopt a different strategy without their leading center.
Eddie Lampkin's Dominance
Syracuse's own center, Eddie Lampkin, has been a force to be reckoned with this season, recently achieving his 12th double-double of the year against NC State. Averaging 16.6 points and 12.6 rebounds over the last five games, Lampkin's performance has put him among the best in Syracuse history for double-doubles in a single season. His ability to control the paint will be vital, especially if Virginia Tech is without Poteat.
Turnover Troubles
As both teams head into this crucial matchup, one common issue plaguing both Syracuse and Virginia Tech has been their inability to take care of the basketball. Syracuse ranks 17th in the ACC for turnover margin, averaging a deficit of -3.06 per game. Virginia Tech isn’t faring any better, with a slightly worse margin of -3.12. This inefficiency can significantly impact the game’s outcome, especially in tight situations.
Ultimately, as Syracuse approaches this essential game against Virginia Tech, the narrative is clear: a victory could ensure their presence at the ACC tournament while introducing layers of complexity concerning player performance and matchup dynamics. Fans and coaches alike will be holding their breath as tip-off approaches, hoping for a thrilling game filled with standout performances and hopefully, a Syracuse victory.
Will the Orange secure a spot in the ACC tournament? Or will Virginia Tech pull off a crucial win at home? Only time will tell!
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