The Michigan Wolverines and Syracuse Orange take to the floor tonight in college basketball action as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the game have the Wolverines favored by a couple of buckets in this one at home.
Michigan has looked very solid on both ends of the floor this season despite losing a ton of talent. Syracuse seems to lose a whole lot of talent every year as well, but this matchup between two heavyweights should be a good one to watch. The matchup between coaching legends Jim Boeheim and John Beilein is worth tuning in by itself as the contrasting styles between the coaches will make for an interesting contest.
As always in college athletics, the team that executes will have the upper hand. Michigan is very good at the Crisler Center, winning all four games there this season while going 13-2 last year as well. Syracuse will no doubt play their patented zone, but the Wolverines are a perimeter-based team that can knock down shots and force the Orange defense out of their comfort zone.
Both Zak Irvin and Caris LeVert have excelled for Michigan this season. Both were in the shadow of former Michigan players now in the NBA, but Beilein is getting the best yet again of his wings. The Wolverines are also expected to get point guard Derrick Walton Jr. back after missing a previous game with a toe injury. Michigan is experienced at several positions, but are young at the big man positions.
Syracuse has been very good on the defensive end most of the year, allowing just 51 points per game. Rakeem Christmas is averaging almost a double-double per game this season and should be the focal point for Syracuse tonight against Michigan. Christmas should be able to attack the glass and if he has a big game the Orange will be right in it.
Michigan will no doubt shoot from the perimeter, which is where the game could be won. Syracuse has not shot the ball well from downtown, connecting for just 19.8 percent on the season, which is one of the worst numbers in the country so far this year. If they can't knock down those shots, Michigan can win comfortably.
Free Pick: Michigan 61, Syracuse 52
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