Busting Brackets
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ACC basketball: Power ranking the league down the stretch

By Michael Walton

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Tyus Battle
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Tyus Battle /

Syracuse has been excellent defensively this year in their 2-3 zone. The Orange started the month (of February) off with a low-scoring loss against who else – Virginia. They started to build steam as they knocked off Louisville on the road and Wake Forest at home. Sophomore Tyus Battle was electric in the two victories. He averaged 29.5 ppg over the two-game span. Wednesday’s four-point loss to NC State hurt a lot. Both teams are on the bubble, so every loss carries a ton of weight now.

The Orange have the benefit of being able to play their way into the tournament. North Carolina, Duke, and Clemson are three of their last four opponents. Any loss damages a resume at this point in the college basketball season. But Syracuse has an opportunity for three wins against ranked teams.

Battle’s scoring is going to give them a chance to hang in games against elite competition. But contributions from freshman Oshae Brissett and junior Frank Howard have helped. Brissett’s toughness inside and Howard’s ability to balance scoring and facilitating supplement Battle perfectly.

It is make or break time for Syracuse. Their most recent game was a huge win against Miami on the road. Battle has an uncharacteristic 4-for-14 shooting night. Howard and Brissett combined for 34 points  in a victory that brings the Orange to 7-7 in ACC play.

This week: Wednesday vs North Carolina (H) – Saturday vs Duke (A)