Hurricane Watch: Syracuse Takes on Miami in Their First Ever ACC Conference Game

                  On January 4^th, 2014 at 2pm the Orange will host the Canes in their first ever ACC game at the Carrier Dome. The era of the Big East has officially passed over us as we now look to make an impact in the Atlantic Coast Conference:

Rion Brown can do it all.

The Foe: The U is 8-5 so far in the 2013-2014 regular season, having beaten teams like Texas Southern, Georgia Southern, Cal State Fullerton, and other teams of said caliber. The Canes are also 0-1 in conference play having lost an overtime game to Virginia Tech by one point. Most recently they’re coming off a dominant 71-48 victory over Loyola of Maryland. The team as a whole only averages a mere 65 points per game while recording 37 team rebounds and shooting 42.6% from the floor (32.3% from behind the arc)

Players to Watch: Miami is led by their two 6’6 senior guards: Rion Brown and Garrius Adams. They

are the Canes leading scorers and take the most shot attempts for the team. Brown is averaging nearly 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game while Adams puts up 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Look for these experienced senior all-purpose guards to do anything they can to keep Miami above water in the ACC this year.

X Factor- Donovan Kirk: Senior 6’9 forward.  9.6 ppg/7.3 rpg/ 8 shot attempts per game

The Orange: Syracuse has been red hot all season which most frightens me about this upcoming cakewalk against an experienced ACC opponent. Everything’s been going right so far that they’re almost due to have a mishap or slipup. Recording a perfect 13-0 record against quality competition such as Baylor, California, and Indiana, ‘Cuse seeks out another win to add to their Dancing Resume and make a lasting first impression on an upcoming formidable UNC opponent. The Orange are also coming off a huge 70-48 win over Eastern Michigan. As a team, they’re putting up a solid 75 ppg and shooting 47.6% from the floor.  UPDATE: Dajuan Coleman is doubtful to play in this game.

Players to Watch: Syracuse’s two most important players are the star-studded freshman Tyler Ennis and POY candidate Carl Fair. Fair is one of the most consistent players the Orange have ever witnessed, providing a great safety net for ‘Cuse to fall back on during times of despair. He averages around 17 points a game and 6 rebounds while shooting a steady 46% from the floor. Tennis on the other hand is an electrifying guard who can straight up play basketball. He nets 12 points, records 6 assists, along with 4 rebounds and 3 steals per game. Expect these stars to show up Saturday and lead the Orange over the canes.

Trevor Cooney has been lights out
from beyond the arc this season.

X Factor(s) - Trevor Cooney: 6’4 sophomore guard. 14 points and 3 steals per game. Also shooting 50% from behind the arc

Jerami Grant: 6’8 sophomore forward.  Averages 13 points with 6 rebounds per game. Each game is without a doubt the best athlete on the floor for either team.

  







~Chris Adams