SYRACUSE +5.5
I just pure and simply think this line is too high. Look, I think Indiana is a very good team if not the best in CBB this year (for what that is worth) but, I do think that the zone will cause problems. IF, Indiana is hitting the three than yes they will win this and probably pull away. But anytime teams are hitting shots they most likely win. I believe that the zone and the Orange will be well prepared for this sweet 16 battle. I think Cuse will cover these shooters and make a concerted effort to crash the boards knowing that it may well make or break their season tonight. Not allowing Indiana to push and get easy buckets, limiting their 2nd chance opportunities will also leave them with much less FT attempts than their offensive production is used to. This will completely take the Hoosiers out of comfort level offensively. Meanwhile, I believe Cuse will use the finishing ability of Triche, Carter-Williams, and Fair to attack a skilled but not overly impressive defensive big man in Zeller. I think the goal will be to put pressure on him to stop them at the rim and/or risk foul trouble. IF, they can be effective early this will open up shot for Southerland who in my opinion when left open is as dangerous of having a big day as anybody in the country from the long range perspective. I think this line is based on POSSIBILITY I also believe that from reading quotes of various players on both teams both are very confident and comfortable in where they are in terms of how they play as a team. However, Indiana was supposed to be here and this is really the point where their season starts. A season that with it takes the burden of an entire state to "bring basketball back to Indiana". Which won't occur until they have a Final Four appearance. Bottom line, Syracuse is confident and comfortable in this role. Indiana will begin to fill the pressure in a game they must play a little out of their style.
TAKE THE DOG
I just pure and simply think this line is too high. Look, I think Indiana is a very good team if not the best in CBB this year (for what that is worth) but, I do think that the zone will cause problems. IF, Indiana is hitting the three than yes they will win this and probably pull away. But anytime teams are hitting shots they most likely win. I believe that the zone and the Orange will be well prepared for this sweet 16 battle. I think Cuse will cover these shooters and make a concerted effort to crash the boards knowing that it may well make or break their season tonight. Not allowing Indiana to push and get easy buckets, limiting their 2nd chance opportunities will also leave them with much less FT attempts than their offensive production is used to. This will completely take the Hoosiers out of comfort level offensively. Meanwhile, I believe Cuse will use the finishing ability of Triche, Carter-Williams, and Fair to attack a skilled but not overly impressive defensive big man in Zeller. I think the goal will be to put pressure on him to stop them at the rim and/or risk foul trouble. IF, they can be effective early this will open up shot for Southerland who in my opinion when left open is as dangerous of having a big day as anybody in the country from the long range perspective. I think this line is based on POSSIBILITY I also believe that from reading quotes of various players on both teams both are very confident and comfortable in where they are in terms of how they play as a team. However, Indiana was supposed to be here and this is really the point where their season starts. A season that with it takes the burden of an entire state to "bring basketball back to Indiana". Which won't occur until they have a Final Four appearance. Bottom line, Syracuse is confident and comfortable in this role. Indiana will begin to fill the pressure in a game they must play a little out of their style.
TAKE THE DOG
