Syracuse Predictions

Quote from: Moose on December 12, 2013, 09:52:50 AM

Quote from: we are sju on December 12, 2013, 09:47:59 AM

Quote from: MCNPA on December 12, 2013, 09:42:54 AM

Quote from: we are sju on December 12, 2013, 09:03:07 AM

As a kid going to the Garden during the Mullin years, we had a "SLIGHT" advantage in fans over Cuse. They have a more rabid fan base and over the years of the programs going in opposite directions the percentage of fans has gone way over to the other side. Didn't think I was breaking some amazing story here. If the program starts making tourney's I think we should at least get back to 50 / 50 split.

Disappointing thing this past decades is that Gtown, Nova and even Pitt have more fans than us not to mention Duke when they come in. Probably nothing could be done about Duke and maybe not even Gtown, but as the program gets better possibly we will outnumber the Nova and Pitt fans at Garden games.

Nova, Georgetown and Pitt never had as many fans as SJU.  Not even close.  Sju fans always far outnumber them.   The only teams that have brought big numbers of fans are Cuse, Duke, and in the early 2000's uconn.

I went to the Hardy buzzer beater and I have to give that a 50 / 50 split unless I just happened to be in a section that was all Pitt.
Are you serious about Gtown? Anyone want to weigh in on that one? What is that stiupid Gtown chant?
And I forgot about Uconn, that is not even close.

You must have been with all Pitt fans because there is no way in hell that place was anything close to 50/50.  It was 80% SJU.  Pitt doesn't travel well at all and the ones who were there sat on their hands.

The culture of the students and the school need to change otherwise we will continue to be a big school that has a bunch of fairweather fans or depends on the city of NY to embrace us only when we are good, while most of those fans went to other schools and deep down pull for them just as much.

Agree...we outnumbered Pitt and I don't recall GT fans ever dominating the Garden

100% agree.  I not only remember the game I remember the lead up to the game there was a lot of buzz and SJU fans began buying tickets.  Remember SJU had won 3 straight going into the game against 3 future NCAA teams-UCONN blowout at home, Cincy and Marquette on the road.  They had already whipped Duke and suddenly they were building an NCAA resume and Pitt, the best team in the BE, was coming to town with their best player Ashton Gibbs back on the court.

Game was a noon start on ESPN on Saturday, a prime BE slot for TV.

Quote from: carmineabbatiello on December 13, 2013, 01:32:08 AM

Quote from: bk8664 on December 13, 2013, 12:09:32 AM

If I may so add my few cents to this discussion:

One, perhaps very key aspect to this game that I'm not sure has been discussed yet:  The referees.  These should be big-east refs, so hopefully we'll get some solid home-cooking calls.  I'm hoping the refs hold a grudge against Excuse give SJU the benefit of the doubt on a every toss-up call.

I'm all for beating them fair and square, but getting some help from the zebras might not hurt.

Refs don't care who wins or what the score is.

Unless they have money riding on the game.

99.99% of the time they don't have money riding on the game.

Alright Johnny fans Sunday we play cuse. It is time to jump on the Johnny band wagon... Here are sone motivational lyrics courtesy ok DKM to represent  SJU pride! WE ARE!!! ST. JOHN'S!!!

 We waited together for the cowards to come
Outgunned and outnumbered but we wouldn't run!!!
No mercy, no quarter
Theyll pay for their sins
Now lower the cannons the battle begin!!!

Let's go go Redmen... Lets go old school on their asses!

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

With my heart or with my head?  That's a tough one cause there are too many factors involved. While we played great against Fordham, it was against Fordham (currently ranked 10th in the metro area) whose front line is more then suspect.  I'm hoping we have a season like Lavins  first and start beating the better teams around but other then the Fordham game, (see above)  I have no reason to believe that the team has turned the corner, yet.

Quote from: paultzman on December 14, 2013, 03:09:32 PM

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

Quote from: paultzman on December 14, 2013, 03:09:32 PM

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

Quote from: paultzman on December 14, 2013, 03:09:32 PM

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Pick one "cutie"!

With my heart or with my head?  That's a tough one cause there are too many factors involved. While we played great against Fordham, it was against Fordham (currently ranked 10th in the metro area) whose front line is more then suspect.  I'm hoping we have a season like Lavins  first and start beating the better teams around but other then the Fordham game, (see above)  I have no reason to believe that the team has turned the corner, yet.

You running for office? Just make a pick & stop with passive aggressive stuff.

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Christmas and Coleman have been underwhelming for two seasons now.  Fair is going to have to contend with Pointer and Grant with Sanchez.  I have no problem with those matchups.  Cuse has some problems as well. 

-Ennis and Cooney are good guards offensively, but awful defensively.  They don't play the zone like Carter-Williams and Triche did. 
- Syracuse's fg% allowed is ranked 240th nationally and their 3pt FG % allowed is ranked 171st.  Those are very poor numbers so their zone isn't doing what it usually does, at least not yet.
-they are a terrible defensive rebounding team
- their biggest strength is turning teams over which is why they beat Baylor.  SJU is ranked #44 is fewest turnovers per game.  We protect the ball well overall.
-we lead the country in blocks

Just a few things to note, as Cuse is certainly beatable.  They have quite a few weaknesses that we can exploit.  Now, if we will exploit them is another story.  We seem to always lose to them.  This year though, we might just have a decent shot.

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Why would you try to play a half court game against a team that shoots better and is stronger than you?

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Why would you try to play a half court game against a team that shoots better and is stronger than you?

Good question, I think that their transition game, especially off defensive turnovers, is stronger then their half court game, but both are good.  Last year when we tried to run with them, the game was over early. I think that to beat them we need to play a solid half  court game with some great dribble penetration and hope our shooters are on.

I don't think  over the course of the season 'Cuse will be a top five team.  I think we beat them.  NCAA's here we come.  BTW, I think if we get another shot at Penn St. we beat them too.    I think we hold Cuse to one of their lower scoring games of the season.  I also think Coach has a surprise or two in store for the game.  Maybe picking off the zone and then dumping in down low....and .watch for us to hit some jumpers from the foul line.  I think Rysheed will play more minutes than he has so far.

Quote from: Amaseinyourface2 on December 14, 2013, 04:19:21 PM

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Why would you try to play a half court game against a team that shoots better and is stronger than you?

Good question, I think that their transition game, especially off defensive turnovers, is stronger then their half court game, but both are good.  Last year when we tried to run with them, the game was over early. I think that to beat them we need to play a solid half  court game with some great dribble penetration and hope our shooters are on.

Last year, we didn't have any healthy guards and turned it over.  Also James Southerland happened to us.  It wasn't because we tried to run with them.  We can run well as a team, especially now with a full stable of healthy guards and two 6'8/6'9" forwards that are gazelles on the break.  Need another good offensive game from Sanchez.

I agree with most of what everyone is saying about not turning it over and hitting the boards and all that.    Those things are definitely important. 

But we're risking over analyzing things when the eye test tells you all you need to know.
Be able to score and contain 3pt shooters.    If we don't let them kill us by shooting 10-20 from 3, and we can score, then we'll win.   

We'll play them even on the boards.
Neither team will win the game at the foul line.
We don't turn it over a lot - so even if they force 2 or 3 more than were used to, it won't be fatal.
Neither team has a size or athletic advantage.
And for all my bitching, we're an above average defensive team in terms of fg%, turnovers, and not fouling.

Bottom line
1) score efficiently.   (Make the extra interior pass to get easy looks, and hit open shots)
2) don't get killed beyond the arc.

We do that and it'll be a St. John's win.   But if the offense is stagnant and they bomb away then it will be 9 in a row for SU.

I agree with most of what everyone is saying about not turning it over and hitting the boards and all that.    Those things are definitely important. 

But we're risking over analyzing things when the eye test tells you all you need to know.
Be able to score and contain 3pt shooters.    If we don't let them kill us by shooting 10-20 from 3, and we can score, then we'll win.   

We'll play them even on the boards.
Neither team will win the game at the foul line.
We don't turn it over a lot - so even if they force 2 or 3 more than were used to, it won't be fatal.
Neither team has a size or athletic advantage.
And for all my bitching, we're an above average defensive team in terms of fg%, turnovers, and not fouling.

Bottom line
1) score efficiently.   (Make the extra interior pass to get easy looks, and hit open shots)
2) don't get killed beyond the arc.

We do that and it'll be a St. John's win.   But if the offense is stagnant and they bomb away then it will be 9 in a row for SU.

Agree with this post.  Well said.  I'd add that we have to have our guards attack theirs with the dribble.  We have at least 4 quality guards.  They have two, and if either one or both of theirs earn fouls early, it can take the wheels off the bus.  If we have guards with fouls, we have starting caliber guys ready to come in at both guard spots and even Pointer is probably better in the backcourt than any of Cuse's backup guards.  Get them in foul trouble and tire them out and we put ourselves in a good spot.

Here's my prediction for tomorrow:

I will take the 9:59 out of Babylon.  By the time the train leaves Massapequa Park at least 25 loud douche bags wearing their Syracuse crap will take over the train.  Later I will enter a fairly packed MSG surrounded by all sorts of orange people. 

As for the game... the Johnnies don't bounce from the form we saw last week.  It was not a mirage.  This is a very good team coming together.  The orange will be surprised tomorrow.

Here's my prediction for tomorrow:

I will take the 9:59 out of Babylon.  By the time the train leaves Massapequa Park at least 25 loud douche bags wearing their Syracuse crap will take over the train.  Later I will enter a fairly packed MSG surrounded by all sorts of orange people. 

  Make sure Ralph doesn't beat anyone up before the game starts

Quote from: Amaseinyourface2 on December 14, 2013, 04:19:21 PM

Quote from: Linda Mirabella on December 14, 2013, 03:06:51 PM

Well I'm hoping for a SJU Winn but it would take the following.

1.  Not coming out in our traditional slow start ala Wisconsin et al.
2.  A hot shooting night.
3.  Big defensive game by CO, and  the S and S boys up front.
4. Big game from DLo, 30 plus points. 
5. Big. Game from Pointer.
6.  If we try to run with this team it may be over early as tey ae better in transition, have better shooting and are stronger inside.

While anything can happen, I think that defending Grant, Fair, Coleman Christmas etc. is a tall order for SJU, as they already manhandled such front lines as Baylors ( who recently dominated Kentucky inside).

It would Take a phenomenal shooting exhibition, (ala Fordham) and an off day by the Cuse for us to be in the game.  And don't discount their guards. Ennis is as good as any frosh lead guard in te country and that includes Kentucky's, and Cooney is lights out. 

I think we either win a close game or lose big.

Why would you try to play a half court game against a team that shoots better and is stronger than you?

Good question, I think that their transition game, especially off defensive turnovers, is stronger then their half court game, but both are good.  Last year when we tried to run with them, the game was over early. I think that to beat them we need to play a solid half  court game with some great dribble penetration and hope our shooters are on.

The game in Syracuse last year wasn't over early. We were down by 4 midway through the 2nd half.

Quote from: Tiznow on December 14, 2013, 11:35:58 PM

Here's my prediction for tomorrow:

I will take the 9:59 out of Babylon.  By the time the train leaves Massapequa Park at least 25 loud douche bags wearing their Syracuse crap will take over the train.  Later I will enter a fairly packed MSG surrounded by all sorts of orange people. 

  Make sure Ralph doesn't beat anyone up before the game starts

He's pretty good at beating himself up during a loss.  I sure hope we don't see that tomorrow. 

Watched the UFC fights tonight on FOX and FS1 and they had a ton of ads and commercials for the game tomorrow. Hope it's a good one.

Here's my prediction for tomorrow:

I will take the 9:59 out of Babylon.  By the time the train leaves Massapequa Park at least 25 loud douche bags wearing their Syracuse crap will take over the train.  Later I will enter a fairly packed MSG surrounded by all sorts of orange people. 

As for the game... the Johnnies don't bounce from the form we saw last week.  It was not a mirage.  This is a very good team coming together.  The orange will be surprised tomorrow.

There are loud douche bags on that line regardless of sports affiliation.