The Syracuse Orange and Wake Forest Demon Deacons are set to clash on February 28 at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, with both teams seeking to bolster their conference standing and postseason prospects. As the regular season enters its final stretch, the implications of this matchup are significant, particularly in the context of the Atlantic Coast Conference race. Syracuse and Wake Forest, also known as the Orange and Deacons, respectively, find themselves in a similar position, with each team aiming to capitalize on the opportunity to gain ground in the conference standings.
With both teams hovering around the bubble, the outcome of this game could have a profound impact on their chances of securing a spot in the postseason. The margin between success and disappointment is razor-thin, and the difference between a win and a loss can be a single possession or a few crucial minutes of play. As the Orange and Deacons take to the court, they will be acutely aware that a victory could be the catalyst for a late-season surge, while a defeat could jeopardize their already precarious position. The stage is set for a tightly contested and intense matchup, with the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.
Averaging 16.7 points per game, has been the team's leading scorer, while his 7.0 rebounds per game have been crucial in the paint. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to North Carolina and Duke in their last five games, but victories over SMU and California have shown glimpses of their potential. His rebounding ability, combined with 's 7.5 rebounds per game, has given Syracuse a strong presence on the boards.
With 's 5.3 assists per game, the team has been able to maintain a decent offensive flow, and his 10.3 points per game have been a welcome addition to the scoring effort. 's 12.4 points per game and 's 11.3 points per game have also been vital to the team's offense, as they head into their game against Wake Forest with a 15-13 record. His 45% three-point shooting is not a notable stat for any of these players, but the team's overall performance will depend on how well they can work together and utilize their individual strengths.
Averaging 21.1 points per game, is the team's leading scorer, and his presence will be crucial in Wake Forest's matchup against Syracuse. The team's recent form has been a mixed bag, with losses to Virginia Tech and Louisville in their last five games, but also wins over Clemson, Stanford, and Georgia Tech. His 6.6 rebounds per game also make him a key contributor on the glass. With providing 7.5 points per game off the bench, Wake Forest has a decent scoring depth.
The Demon Deacons' 14-13 record, including a 5-9 mark in ACC play, reflects their inconsistency, but players like and have been steady contributors. Myles Colvin's 11.9 points per game have been a significant factor, while Tre'Von Spillers' 5.6 rebounds per game have helped anchor the team's defense. Nate Calmese's 4.9 assists per game have also been vital in dictating the team's offense, and his ability to create for himself and others will be important in this game. With these key players, Wake Forest will look to bounce back from their recent loss and secure a much-needed win against Syracuse.
Key Matchups
The outcome of this game will largely hinge on the matchup between Syracuse's Donnie Freeman and Wake Forest's Tre'Von Spillers. Freeman, a versatile scorer and rebounder, will face a stern test in Spillers, who boasts similar all-around skills. The ability of Spillers to contain Freeman's scoring and limit his rebounding opportunities will be crucial in determining the game's trajectory. If Spillers can successfully neutralize Freeman, Wake Forest's offense may be able to find a rhythm and exploit Syracuse's defense.
Freeman's size and strength advantage over Spillers may allow him to assert himself in the paint, but Spillers's agility and quickness could enable him to stay in front of Freeman and contest his shots. The battle between these two players will be a fascinating study in contrasts, with Freeman's brute force pitted against Spillers's speed and agility. Whoever emerges victorious in this individual matchup will likely give their team a significant advantage, making this head-to-head battle the most critical aspect of the game.
CHD Scout Prediction
Syracuse
72
Wake Forest
80
Based on the model's prediction, which gives Wake Forest an 80-72 victory with a 75.6% win probability, I agree that Wake Forest will emerge victorious. The primary reason for this assessment is the notable difference in NET rankings between the two teams, with Wake Forest holding a significant advantage at #65 compared to Syracuse's #76. This disparity suggests that Wake Forest has performed more consistently against stronger opponents, which will likely give them the edge they need to secure a win at home against the Orange.
Tournament Stakes
As the regular season winds down, both Syracuse and Wake Forest find themselves on the periphery of the NCAA Tournament bubble, with this matchup holding significant implications for their postseason aspirations. A win for either team would not only bolster their resume but also provide a crucial boost in the NET rankings, potentially propelling them into more serious at-large consideration. Given the Quad 1 designation for Syracuse, a road victory would be particularly valuable, as it would improve their lackluster 1-8 record against top-tier opponents and demonstrate an ability to compete against quality foes. Conversely, a Wake Forest win, although classified as a Quad 3 game for the Demon Deacons, would still offer a much-needed Quad 2 victory for the Orange, highlighting the nuanced nature of NCAA resume-building. Ultimately, the outcome of this game will serve as a referendum on the tournament worthiness of these bubble dwellers, and the loser will be left to ponder what could have been, their postseason fate all but sealed.