The Syracuse Orange play host to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday evening in an interesting ACC matchup from the JMA Wireless Dome. Wake Forest comes into this one with a winning record but knows that they likely need an ACC run to find themselves in the Big Dance, while Syracuse is stuck in the same boat. This is the first meeting between the two on the season but this is a series that Syracuse has dominated over the years, winning eight of the last ten. This appears to be one that could either way and fans will certainly want to tune into the regular-season finale.
Wake Forest looked like an NCAA Tournament team over the first half of the season but struggles on the back half of the schedule and a lack of elite wins has them on the outside looking in. They come into this one having lost three of their last four games, including a home loss to Boston College the last time out. That loss really served to set them back and it might take a serious run in the NCAA Tournament to ensure that they'll be playing in the NCAA Tournament. A win Saturday would help to get them back on the winning path and confidence and momentum going back in the right direction. The Demon Deacons have struggled on the road this season, with a 4-7 record, and going on the road to take on an opponent they've struggled with historically, could be a recipe for success.
Injuries haven't been kind to the Demon Deacons either this season, which is an issue that might carry over into this one. Damari Mo nsanto and Jao Ituka both remain out with knee injuries, while the absence of Monsanto continues to be a challenge to navigate. Monsanto was the teams second-leading scorer on the season and without his scoring punch, they could see the offense struggle as they hit the road.
Syracuse Bound. ????#GoDeacs ??https://t.co/dIRubWdjzQ
— Wake Forest Men's Basketball (@WakeMBB) March 3, 2023
Wake Forest's offense has been one of the best in the country but being without Monsanto (13.3 ppg) is a challenge. They rank 53rd nationally in scoring and 43rd in three-point percentage, while they are facing a defense in Syracuse that is going to give them plenty of opportunities for three-point range. Tyree Appleby (18.7 ppg, 6.2 apg) has been one of the best point guards in the country this season and there's no doubt that he'll have his way in this one. The x-factor remains Andrew Carr (11.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and if he can establish a frontcourt presence their balance could be the key to victory. They'll need the offense to lead the way in this one, especially with their own struggles on the defensive end.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!