Syracuse Basketball: 5 toughest non-conference opponents for 2018-19

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Oshae Brissett #11 of the Syracuse Orange battles for the ball with Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 23: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange speaks to his team during a timeout against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 23, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Buffalo, Home, December 18th

While Buffalo is not often seen as a quality opponent, the Bulls are certainly a major obstacle in Syracuse’s non-conference slate. Buffalo made national headlines by destroying Arizona in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and they could be even better in 18-19.

The Bulls lose Wes Clark, their fourth-leading scorer, to graduation and this is undoubtedly a huge loss. Clark averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.4 apg and was instrumental in their postseason run. The only other notable departure is Ikenna Smart who has transferred to Wake Forest after playing just 12 mpg last year.

Every other rotation player has returned including the trio of Jeremy Harris, CJ Massinburg, and Nick Perkins who all scored over 15 ppg. It is extremely rare to get this type of production back after a breakthrough season, but the Bulls will be loaded and experienced. Junior PG Davonta Jordan will be a solid replacement for Clark and Donte Caruthers rounds out the starting lineup with his defensive prowess.

Buffalo also brings in two 4-star recruits, PG Ronald Segu and versatile wing Jeenethan Williams who can be eased into the rotation. How often can a MAC school have the luxury of easing guys that are this talented into the lineup?

Syracuse better not overlook this game or they could easily suffer a defeat to this mid-major power. Expect the Bulls to be in the at-large conversation with a crazy record if all goes as planned.

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