Syracuse vs. Louisville?

Just wanted to throw this out to the board.  Now obviously neither game will be easy and more then likely will end in 2 road losses for SJU, but out of the two which game do you think will be the "easiest" to steal a win?  "Easiest" being a relative term.

To me it is Syracuse.  Without Southerland they miss a key offensive contributor.  And I think they are not playing at the level they were in December and January.  Of the two I think they are the most vulnerable to get picked off at home.

Louisville is getting nasty again.  I think that 3 game losing streak was a big slap in the face and I don't see Louisville losing more then 1 game if at all the rest of the way.  I mean they did not play particularly well last night and they went on a 23-2 run to open the 2nd half against Rutgers and boom the game was over.  Just like that.

Agree Syracuse. BTW, Southerland "hearing" Friday. Expect him back IMO.

I think Louisville is better than Cuse but I think we match up a little better against Louisville (with Branch back, that is).  Either way, we'll be double-digit dogs.  A win at either place would be a huge upset.

Louisville...and its not even close.
 

Louisville...and its not even close.

No way.

Louisville should dominate us on the inside.  I think on paper they are the tougher matchup.  However, Syracuse gets up for playing us.  They take the "New York's team" thing seriously.  Also, I think in recent years we've been intimidated by them.  Hopefully, things are different this year.  I'm kind of glad that we are playing them in Canada.  It takes away the pressure of having to defend your home court.  I hope the guys just come out loose and play a great game.

If southerland is able to play than I say we match up worse with cuse. That 2-3 scares the hell out of me. Without him we have a shot at winning an ugly one. Lousiville could play us in or out of the game. All depends on if their guards are on or not.

Agree with Mase.   We've looked tentative against a zone all year.   'Cuse will be the tougher matchup because our half court offense could really struggle. 

Would love a win v.either team, but it is tough obviously. What I do want is for SJU to be at least very competitive. Another GT like beating is unacceptable.

BTW-Mike Waters who covers Syracuse and Big East basketball for the Syracuse Post-Standard had a Q & A online today.  Here is how he responded to a Southerland inquiry:

 [Comment From 84orangefan84orangefan: ]
I know no one has a crystal ball to say what the outcome of Southerland's hearing will be, but do you know exactly when it is supposed to take place, and when the outcome is likely to be announced? Then, prognostication on what the likelihood is that he'll play Sunday? 

Thursday February 7, 2013 2:05 Pat
2:04
 Mike Waters: 84,

When? Friday. Not sure what time.

Outcome? Not sure.

Prognostication? I wouldn't dare venture a guess. Not enough information to work with. 
 
http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2013/02/syracuse_basketball_fans_join_10.html

Would love a win v.either team, but it is tough obviously. What I do want is for SJU to be at least very competitive. Another GT like beating is unacceptable.

Bingo.  Even if we lose we need to use it as a good experience and be able to take something away from it. 

syracuse i guess. 

the environment alone could scare our guys.  it won't be pretty.

syracuse i guess. 

the environment alone could scare our guys.  it won't be pretty.

Want to look at SJU's last few appearances at Louisville?

How is louisville tough inside...Have you seen there starting line up?  Two 6 foot guards.  Two 6-5 forwards and a 6'11" Deing, who is improving offensively, but not exactly a hourse inside.  Harrell is 6-6 and 6-5 Behaan plays big, but so do dom, Jakkar, Amir and Chris...

Louisville plays with a level of physicality and athleticism that is well above ours right now.

How is louisville tough inside...Have you seen there starting line up?  Two 6 foot guards.  Two 6-5 forwards and a 6'11" Deing, who is improving offensively, but not exactly a hourse inside.  Harrell is 6-6 and 6-5 Behaan plays big, but so do dom, Jakkar, Amir and Chris...

if harrell is 6'6 than pointer is 6'3.  Him and Boheanen (spelling?) could break any of our bigs in two.

How is louisville tough inside...Have you seen there starting line up?  Two 6 foot guards.  Two 6-5 forwards and a 6'11" Deing, who is improving offensively, but not exactly a hourse inside.  Harrell is 6-6 and 6-5 Behaan plays big, but so do dom, Jakkar, Amir and Chris...

Chane is a stud, Blackshear, Harrell, Dieng etc.  Dieng is one of the best shotblockers in the country.

Remember this:  1998 Hell Week

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCh3mRgCEAAetlu.jpg:large

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1142838/1/index.htm

BTW-Mike Waters who covers Syracuse and Big East basketball for the Syracuse Post-Standard had a Q & A online today.  Here is how he responded to a Southerland inquiry:

 [Comment From 84orangefan84orangefan: ]
I know no one has a crystal ball to say what the outcome of Southerland's hearing will be, but do you know exactly when it is supposed to take place, and when the outcome is likely to be announced? Then, prognostication on what the likelihood is that he'll play Sunday? 

Thursday February 7, 2013 2:05 Pat
2:04
 Mike Waters: 84,

When? Friday. Not sure what time.

Outcome? Not sure.

Prognostication? I wouldn't dare venture a guess. Not enough information to work with. 
 
http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2013/02/syracuse_basketball_fans_join_10.html

“@PSBasketball: A look at the panel that will hear Syracuse senior James Southerland's appeal on Friday. http://t.co/E1p3W0B6”

as to Southerland and his appeal-desparate times call for desparate measures.  Excuse has lost 2 of last 3, appeal board will reinstate or they will need federal marshalls to put them in Wit Sec.
I think most of us looked at Gtown, Con, Excuse and Ville (with 3 on the road) and would have been happy to go 1-3.  We already have the 1 and play 2 games with house money.  Let's get one of them.  We will only win with a superior defensive effort-we can not "outscore" either of them.  Excuse in last 4 has scored 71, 63 and 2 in the 50's.  If Southerland is kept out, they may be our best opportunity.