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Syracuse Basketball: Must-win game against Duke with ACC Tournament near

By Brandon Nutting

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Head Coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the Drexel Dragons at the Carrier Dome on November 14, 2021 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Head Coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts during the second half against the Drexel Dragons at the Carrier Dome on November 14, 2021 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Syracuse Basketball takes on the Duke Blue Devils in the dome on Saturday at 6 pm eastern time, with a lot riding on the line in terms of the tournament.

Syracuse Basketball (15-13 overall, 8th overall in the ACC) is back in the dome as they get ready to take on the 7th ranked team in the nation, the Duke Blue Devils (14-3 overall, 1st in the ACC).

This game has so much meaning behind it, as this will not only be coach Mike Krzyzewski, coach of the Blue Devils’ final game in Syracuse, but the Orange will need to pick up a win in order to have a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.

Players to Watch

Jimmy and Buddy Boeheim will be the key players to watch for this game, especially with their performance’s last game against Notre Dame. Jimmy put up 27 points, and seven rebounds, while Buddy put up 20 points against Notre Dame, as they took control for the Orange down the stretch and tried to make key plays while trying to rally back after halftime. Both Boeheim’s need to keep the offense and defensive performances going into a difficult match-up with a lot on the line.

Keys to the Game

Trust the defense – Syracuse will run its traditional 2-3 zone defense against the Blue Devils. Syracuse will need to tighten up the baseline, free-throw line, and three-point line if they look to slow down A.J. Giffin and Trevor Keels from making plays.

Rebound – Syracuse is missing Jesse Edwards for the rest of the season, who was a factor on the boards, as they only had 28 rebounds against Notre Dame. The Orange will need to rebound the ball on both ends and convert them into points.

Find the shot from behind the arc – Syracuse shot six of 23 from behind the three-point arc against Notre Dame. The Orange will need to get Joseph Girard III, Buddy Boeheim, and Cole Swider going from behind the arc if they look to have a chance Blue Devils

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The Orange will face a tough task against the Blue Devils, with a lot riding on the line in terms of both the ACC Conference Tournament and NCAA Tournament. Syracuse will need to come out strong against Duke with plays on both ends of the court and make sure the fans are a factor as well. Will the Orange pull out the upset? Will Duke be too much for the Orange to handle? We will have to wait and see.

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