Beat writers predict Syracuse to beat Dayton, advance to Sweet 16
Jerami Grant's length will be crucial against Dayton, and Daily Orange beat writers predict that it will help the team move past Dayton in the Round of 32 and into the Sweet 16. Yuki Mizuma | Staff Photographer
Stephen Bailey: Syracuse 80, Dayton 64
Rendezvous in Memphis
The No. 11-seed Flyers try to turn up the pace against No. 3-seed Syracuse, and get steamrolled in transition. Dayton just doesn’t have the length and athleticism to keep up with Jerami Grant and the rangy Orange. As long as SU shoots adequately, it cruises into the Sweet 16 to face the winner of Kansas and Stanford.
Trevor Hass: Syracuse 71, Dayton 65
Evadin’ Dayton
Syracuse outlasts the Flyers and earns a trip to the Sweet 16. Dayton’s depth and proficiency from the field hurts the Orange in stretches, but in the end SU has too much talent for the Flyers to handle. Grant dominates around the rim once again as Dayton’s run comes to an end.
David Wilson: Syracuse 72, Dayton 58
Book your flights
The Orange is going to Memphis. The Flyers are scrappy and deep, but SU was one of the more impressive teams on the opening day of the NCAA Tournament. Syracuse finally started clicking on offense and played great defense against No. 14-seed Western Michigan. Dayton head coach Archie Miller didn’t sound too confident about his team’s ability to crack 60 points against the Orange’s zone.
