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

Keys to Victory for Syracuse

First and foremost, Syracuse will have to score the ball.  They only shoot 42.2% FG and 33.8% from three at home.  This does not stop them from taking them though and they will need to hit more threes which may be a tall order since Duke is second-ranked in the ACC by holding their opponents to under thirty percent for the season.

While the Orange are limited offensively in the frontcourt, they do have some lethal scorers on the perimeter who will have to play well.  As mentioned, Joe Girard has been a bit inconsistent.  Over his last six games, he started off well going for 19, 12, and 15 points, but has dipped in the last three only scoring 23 points total.

He will have to put up shots to keep Duke honest and hit some if they want to spring the upset.  An area that Syracuse may want to attack is straight at the Duke defense.  Duke has looked vulnerable at times when spread out and this would give the Cuse guards chances to draw Vernon Carey away from the basket and possibly into foul trouble.

The Orange should probably drive more because they are first in the ACC in free throw percentage but only eighth in attempts.  This strategy would also open up drive and kick opportunities for threes where Syracuse is second in makes and third in attempts.

Ball movement is another area where Cuse can help themselves by putting pressure on Duke defenders, getting fouled or opening up shots for a team that only ranks tenth in the conference in assists per game.