Beat writers expect Syracuse to close nonconference play with win over in-state rival Cornell
Michael Gbinije and the Orange round out their nonconference schedule Wednesday night in the Carrier Dome against Cornell, a fellow central New York program. Brittany Wait | Contributing Photographer
Phil D’Abbraccio (10-2): Syracuse 70, Cornell 51
If you don’t chew Big Red…
This Big Red team is better than last year’s — which somehow had a halftime lead over Syracuse in the season opener, then went 2-26 — but still not good enough to be the better color Wednesday night. The Orange will march into Atlantic Coast Conference play with four losses, but at least it’ll do so coming off arguably its best three games of the year. Syracuse’s defense responds well from Sunday’s showing and its offense continues to gets shots to fall, just a few hours before Times Square’s ball does the same.
Jesse Dougherty (10-2): Syracuse 64, Cornell 48
Ithacan’t
Syracuse has one more chance to refine its play before heading into its ACC schedule, and celebrates New Year’s Eve with a comfortable win over Cornell. The Big Red has been better than the train wreck it was last season, but not good enough to keep pace with a team that is faster, longer and ultimately more talented. The Carrier Dome isn’t exactly Times Square, but Jim Boeheim and Co. kick off the new year by eating the last cupcake on their plate.
Jacob Klinger (10-2): Syracuse 78, Cornell 57
Big Orange
Syracuse is finally starting to treat its pre-ACC opponents like the punching bags they should be, and Cornell provides the perfect dummy. The Big Red is averaging 63.8 points per game against lowly competition and simply can’t keep pace with SU on the floor or the glass. The Orange isn’t a national contender this year but is definitely still the best team in Central New York.
