Syracuse Basketball: Keys for Orange to beat Duke at home

3. Heat checks and bench impact to maintain a challenge for Duke

For Syracuse the starters have been relied on so heavily over the last couple of years. Battle, Howard and Brissett have played up to 40 minutes on various times over their tenures with the Orange. It’s expected for the starting five to carry most of the load, but in a game like this they’ll need help. It’ll be up to the three star players and Chukwu and Hughes to start off strongly and play the most important moments of this one, however, the impacts of Buddy Boeheim, Jalen Carey, Marek Dolezaj and Bourama Sidibe will give another dynamic to what has to be a big performance for the Orange.

Buddy Boeheim has been the biggest ‘heat check’ player for the Orange over the season. He’s averaging 5.9 points on 14.3 MPG. He’ll get plenty of time to make an impact in front of the Orange fans on Saturday, and will possibly be a huge factor, as his ability to get hot can change the lead at any given time.

Carey will have to remain strong on defence, as he’ll likely come in for Howard and will have to keep the shape and dictate thoroughly. Dolezaj could be tricky player for Duke to deal with this time around as his ability to stretch the floor can tinker with the Blue Devil shape. Sidibe will have the same job as Chukwku, every rebound will be vital, mentally, it’s going to be a tense game that could change with any small play.

It’ll be a tantalising match up between the No.1 team in the nation and an exciting Syracuse team with tournament aspirations. You can watch game two between the two ACC rivals on Saturday, February 23 on ESPN at 6:00pm ET.