Everything went right for Syracuse in their 96-57 blowout win over eighth-seeded Florida State on Wednesday in the second round of the ACC Tournament.
The ninth-seeded Orange advances to play top-seeded Duke in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
Syracuse, however, will be without leading scorer Buddy Boeheim after the ACC announced a one-game suspension for punching Florida State’s Wyatt Wilkes in the stomach during the first half. There was no foul called on the play, however video of the punch made it’s rounds on social media.
Losing Boeheim is a body blow for the Orange. As well as they played against Florida State, 28 points from Cole Swider, the reality of the situation is Florida State isn’t Duke.
Syracuse will need another strong game from Swider, when he’s on – the offense is clicking for the Orange. Look for Duke to try and take Swider out of the equation early.
The Orange will also need strong showings from Joe Girard and Jim Boeheim. Moreover, the energy on defense and on the boards must carry over from the Florida State win.
This was, except for losing Boeheim to suspension, was a feel-good win for Syracuse. But Duke has had their number this season. Furthermore, let’s not forget, the seventh-ranked team in the nation isn’t coming to Brooklyn in the best of moods after losing Coach K’s final home game on Saturday.
Expect to see a valiant effort from a shorthanded Syracuse team, or a statement win from Duke.
Image: Dennis Nett
