Tonight at 7:00 the Syracuse Orange[men] take on the #8 Georgetown Hoyas in the Verizon Center. Syracuse is 2-3 away from the Carrier Dome, and 1-2 in true road games. They also have not won a game on the road in the Big East, losing to West Virginia and a mediocre Cincinnati team. I wouldn't go so far as to say this game is a must win for Syracuse, but with a 13-6 overall record, 3-3 in the Big East, I think this is a game that could set the tone for the rest of the season for the Orange[men].

Key Match ups
Georgetown is once again loaded with talent. They are led at the 5 by Roy Hibbert, college basketball's greatest true center. He leads the team in both points and rebounds, and although some don't believe his numbers are overwhelming (13.1 and 6.5), he does however, play great defense and is a terrific passer for a big man. Fortunately for Syracuse they have one of the Big East's greatest surprises in the emergence of Arinze Onuaku who's numbers outshine Hibbert's (scoring 13.4 and averaging 7.8 rebounds).

Donte Greene is the second leading scorer in the Big East and is the most important piece to Syracuse's puzzle. He ranks in the top ten, in the Big East, in scoring, blocks and 3pt shooting. Opposing him is DaJuan Summers a 6-8 sophomore. He ranks second on the team in points and rebounds.

Keys to Victory

For Georgetown to win: They need to play their style of basketball. They have to keep the low, and prevent Syracuse from scoring on the fast break. They need to contain Donte Greene, and assert Hibbert inside. They also have to play around Syracuse's zone and make their 3pt. shots.

For Syracuse to win: Donte Greene must, MUST, stay out of foul trouble. They also need to force turnovers and keep their track shoes on. Syracuse will not be able to win scoring less than 70 points, and they absolutely cannot settle for 3s. Challenge Hibbert inside early and often. The first 3-4 possessions I would go inside to Onuaku, and then allow Greene to get open outside.

Prediction

Georgetown should win this game. But, if Syracuse scores 75+, and I believe this will only happen if Greene plays 35 min+, then they will win.

Georgetown 68 Syracuse 65