Houston vs. Syracuse: 2021 NCAA Tournament game preview, TV and predictions

Houston Cougars rallied late against Rutgers to meet Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange in the Sweet 16. Which team has the advantage to win this one?

TV schedule: Saturday, March 27, 9:55 pm ET. TBS

Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

The Houston Cougars rallied late against Rutgers to make their second “straight” Sweet 16 under and they’ll meet Jim Boeheim’s Syracuse Orange after they caught fire against West Virginia in their round of 32 matchup. It should make for an interesting game with Boeheim’s difficult zone and Houston’s lockdown D. Both teams have scoring power, so it should come down to preparation, execution a probably a little bit of luck.

Coaching edge: Syracuse

Jim Boeheim is in the Sweet 16 for the 20th time during his 45-year tenure and the third straight as a double-digit seed. They’ve been consistently on the bubble for the second half of the season, but clearly proved they belonged down the stretch and were better prepared in their opening weekend matchups.

Kelvin Sampson has put Houston back on the map and he gets to his second Sweet 16 with the Cougars and their12th in school history. But based on overall experience and tournament success with Boeheim Syracuse gets the edge here.

Shooting edge: Syracuse

Syracuse is shooting about 78% from the line this year, good enough to be in the top 15 nationally, and have been lights out in the postseason so far. Shooting about 52% from the field and 50% from three in their two tournament games, Syracuse is starting to click at the right time after some streaky offensive games. They’ve put up 100+ points twice this season so going up against one of the best defenses in the country will be fun to see.

Buddy Boeheim is the player to watch, posting a 30-point game against SDSU and another 25 against West Virginia, with 23 coming in the second half. If he can continue this streak against Houston’s tough defense he’ll be the difference-maker. Houston has struggled in its opening two games (especially in the first half against Cleveland State) but is also a statement about how good its defense really is.

Defensive edge: Houston

Houston’s defense once again showed up in the final minutes and ended their round of 32 game against Rutgers on a 14-2 run, including some key defensive rebounds on some high-effort contested shots. Rutgers played better for most of the game but some extra hustle on crucial late rebounds and contested shots helped Houston put the game away late, and only allowed two points in the final 5 minutes. After trailing by double-digits halfway through the second half, they ended with a 23-10 run to finish off the comeback.

While Boeheim’s zone can be frustrating for many teams this Houston squad should have enough offensive weapons to recognize the defense and move the ball around and avoid the zone and trap pressure. Expect the Cougars and their top defense to at least slow down the Orange and keep the threes limited.

Star power edge: Houston

While Syracuse has multiple guys that can get double-digit points and pull up from the logo, Houston has several players that can go into takeover mode on both sides of the floor and put the game away. Four of Houston’s key players were voted to the AAC first and second teams, including Quentin Grimes being named co-conference player of the year, DeJon Jerreau with Defensive POY honors, and Justin Gorham with most improved honors.

If Houston can contain Buddy Boeheim, they’ll have a friendly path forward. I originally had Houston in the Final Four before seeing they landed in Illinois’ region and thought they’d make it to the Elite 8, but I think the winner ultimately moves on to play Baylor in the national semifinal.

Prediction: Houston 75 Syracuse 70