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Virginia Tech vs Syracuse: 2019-20 key storylines for 2nd league clash

By Tristan Freeman

SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 06: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass the ball between Mamadi Diakite #25 and Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on November 6, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeated Syracuse 48-34. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - NOVEMBER 06: Elijah Hughes #33 of the Syracuse Orange looks to pass the ball between Mamadi Diakite #25 and Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half at the Carrier Dome on November 6, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeated Syracuse 48-34. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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BLACKSBURG, VA – JANUARY 26: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange dribbles while being guarded by Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA – JANUARY 26: Tyus Battle #25 of the Syracuse Orange dribbles while being guarded by Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

Syracuse and Virginia Tech will face off for the second time this season. What are the key storylines for the return matchup?

The ACC has been absolutely wild this season. Six games in and everyone has at least both a win and a loss, including Duke who just recently got upset by Clemson. The true top and bottom-tier of the league are incredibly small, with a large middle group of teams that can beat anyone. That includes the subjects of this piece…. the Virginia Tech Hokies and Syracuse Orange.

Virginia Tech 13-4 (4-2) is one of the biggest positive surprises of the season. With a new head coach and a completely retooled roster, the Hokies somehow have put themselves right in the thick of the NCAA Tournament picture. They’re coming off of a big 80-70 road win at Wake Forest earlier this week, led by 21 points apiece from Landers Nolley and Tyrece Radford.

Syracuse 10-7 (3-3) is also coming off a win, handling Boston College by a big margin of 76-50. Buddy Boeheim led all scorers with 22 points, while forward Marek Dolezaj recorded a solid double-double. It was an impressive performance on both ends of the court, limiting the Eagles to just 33% shooting from the field and no one scoring in double figures.

The Hokies are looking for a season sweep against the Orange, winning the earlier matchup a couple of weeks ago, 67-63 in the Carrier Dome. The leading scorer from the game came off the bench, with Virginia Tech freshman Jalen Cone going for 19 points. Syracuse is looking for not only some revenge but also a major win for their tournament resume.

Here are some specific storylines for this ACC clash.