Duke vs. Syracuse: Keys and storylines for 2019-20 matchup

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 22: Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks to Tre Jones #3 during the second half of their game against the Georgetown Hoyas at Madison Square Garden on November 22, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

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Photo Credit: Brett Carlsen – Getty Images /

Syracuse season to this point

Syracuse has to feel like they let one slip away at Clemson as they had a ten-point lead early in the second half before an extended field goal drought allowed the Tigers to even it up. The last eight minutes were back and forth but the Orange led for most of it until the last seconds when a Clyde Trapp lay in sealed their fate.

Still, the Cuse were right in it and have been road warriors in the ACC this year going 4-1 with three wins during their five-game winning streak. The Clemson loss definitely hurt their chances for the postseason but three games against top-ten opponents give them an opportunity for some impressive victories.

Two of these games are on the road but that doesn’t seem to bother Syracuse this year as they shoot better away from the Carrier Dome in both field goal and three-point percentage. Syracuse was at a crossroads after ten games in the season, sitting at 5-5, but have gone 8-3 since and seem to have found their groove with the emergence of Joe Girard as the starting point guard.

Interestingly enough, Girard also held a scholarship offer to Duke but decided to stay in-state with the Orange. Girard, though small of stature, gives Syracuse another scoring threat on the floor as he has deep range and is a good driver to the basket. Cuse’s offense is more efficient and dangerous with him running it although he is still a freshman and inconsistent at times.

What else does Syracuse have to do on Saturday night to come away with the win and impress the tournament committee come March:

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