Syracuse vs. Buffalo: Key storylines for the non-conference game

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) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 18: Oshae Brissett /

Nick Perkins vs. Oshae Brissett

While Buffalo’s Massinburg and Syracuse’s Tyus Battle (each team’s leading scorers) will guard each other at various points in the game, it’ll likely come down to the second-leading performers on offense that’ll decide the game.

Last season, Nick Perkins averaged 16.2 ppg for Bulls, mostly off the bench. While the scoring numbers have dipped a bit for the senior (13.8 ppg), he still leads the team in rebounding at 8.2 rpg while playing much better defense. The 6’8 forward averages 1.5 blocks per game and is currently ranked 1st in the MAC in defensive rating. It’s had a big effect on the team overall, with Buffalo’s defensive numbers all having improved.

Perkins will be the primary defender of Oshae Brissett, the sophomore forward for the Orange. He’s putting up very similar numbers so far this season as he did last, averaging 14.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg and improving his passing to dish out 1.9 apg. Brissett is 6’8 also but is considered one of the more athletic forwards in the country, which only amplifies the team’s zone when he’s on the court.

While the shooting efficiency for Brissett isn’t that good (37%), it’s his ability to draw fouls that Perkins will have to deal with. Last season, the Syracuse forward averaged six free throw attempts a night, good for first in the ACC. The numbers are the same through the first 10 games a well.

He’s coming off a poor game against Old Dominion, so look for him to have a good bounce-back game. Perkins will have to contain him while producing on the other end to give the Bulls a good shot at winning.