Beat writers predict Syracuse to narrowly edge Wake Forest
Michael Gbinije and his SU teammates are without starting forward Chris McCullough for the rest of the season. Conference play trudges on, though, and the Orange looks to get to 4-0 in the ACC on Tuesday. Sam Maller | Staff Photographer
Phil D’Abbraccio: (14-2): Syracuse 66, Wake Forest 63
Tree down
Even with Chris McCullough’s absence and Devin Thomas’ presence, Syracuse has enough to get past Wake Forest. Thomas will still own the Orange from the high post and may flirt with 30 points, but he won’t negate the dominance of Rakeem Christmas down low or the hot shooting from the fingertips of Trevor Cooney. The Demon Deacons put up valiant fights against the first three Atlantic Coast Conference teams they faced, but they’re 9-8 for a reason. No forest fire on the SU sideline tonight.
Jesse Dougherty (14-2): Syracuse 60, Wake Forest 53
Into the woods
From now on, games are going to be won and lost in the paint for Syracuse. That’s the reality for a team that recently lost two of its five scholarship big men to season-ending injuries. Thomas has been one of the ACC, and country’s, best post scorers as of late, but Christmas has enough juice on both ends of the floor to lead SU to its fourth-straight conference win in as many contests. Cooney isn’t as hot as he was against Florida State but he won’t need to be — not this time, at least.
Jacob Klinger (14-2): Syracuse 61, Wake Forest 60
Wide awake
Yes, the battle for this game will predominantly be fought in the paint, but I see Syracuse winning it on the outside. McCullough, slumping or not, will be sorely missed and Chinonso Obokoh will be exposed – join the club – by Thomas. It’ll be weird, but steady play from Kaleb Joseph and the rest of the SU backcourt will keep the Demon Deacons at bay.
