Top 7 Must-Watch ACC Conference Contests
By Aseh Nshom
Syracuse Orange vs. Pittsburgh Panthers: Sat, Feb 07 @ Petersen Events Center
The Oakland Zoo is one the liveliest student sections in college basketball. If you ask the Pitt Panthers what they dislike most, finals week would be number one, but Tyler Ennis would be a close second. Last season, the point guard nailed a half-court buzzer beater. That shot was Pitt’s most heartbreaking loss of the season. Ennis has since departed for the NBA but the Panthers are still looking for vengeance.
As mentioned earlier, the Oakland Zoo is a tough arena for visiting teams. Jamie Dixon’s teams are always known for its tough defensive prowess. Last season, Pitt ranked 20th in points allowed (61.9 PPG). The Orange ranked 8th in points allowed (59.2). If you enjoy defensive battles, this would be the game you must watch. Whether if it’s in the Big East or ACC, when these teams face other, they compete till the last second. Expect the Peterson’s Event Center to be rocking that Saturday for this marquee ACC game.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Syracuse Orange: Wed, Feb 18 @ Carrier Dome
It’s been a year since these two teams last played, but even a year is too long for these once Big East, now ACC conference rivals. The Cardinals ruined the Orange’s exit from the Big East. Louisville defeated Syracuse in the 2013 Big East Championship 78-61.
The Cards will visit familiar territory at the Carrier Dome. The Orange will look to spoil the Cards inaugural visit as an ACC opponent. If the game has any resemblance to their previous matchups, it should be quite a scrappy contest. Two respected programs, two hall-of-fame coaches, and a court-full of elite talent. It doesn’t get much better than that for hoops fans.