Trap Game? Probably Not, But Don't Take Wake Forest Lightly

There's no such thing as a "trap game"
according to Jim Boeheim.

With Duke looming ahead on Saturday, some think The Orange will overlook Wake Forest.  According to Jim Boeheim, the phrase "trap game" is a media term.  Whether he's right or wrong, Syracuse still faces a tough Demon Deacon team on the road tonight, and it could spell trouble if they don't bring their A-game.

What to Expect From Wake Forest

Coming off of two big wins at Virginia Tech and more recently at home against Notre Dame, the Demon Deacons are picking up momentum and showing they can compete in the ACC.

Codi Miller-McIntyre has led his Demon
Deacons to an above .500 record in ACC play.

Offensively, Wake Forest relies heavily on sophomores Codi Miller-McIntyre and Devin Thomas.  Point guard Miller-McIntrye is having a breakout year, nearly doubling his freshman year scoring with 15.2 points and 4 assists per game.  The 6-9 250 pound Thomas is a force on the boards with 8.5 per game, and also contributes in double figures offensively.  He's very efficient offensively, ranking third in the ACC in field goal percentage at 56.7%.  Rakeem Christmas and Baye-Keita will have their hands full keeping him off the offensive boards.

Is This a Trap Game?

Maybe, but I would be shocked if a team coached by Jim Boeheim is really dumb enough to overlook an ACC road game.  I don't think Syracuse is going to take a respectable Wake Forest team lightly, but I do think there is a chance Syracuse gets a scare tonight.  Wake Forest is one of the best rebounding teams in the ACC, keeping opponents to under 28 rebounds per game.  We've all seen those games when opponents take advantage of the 2-3 zone and crash the offensive glass **cough cough Pitt** .  If Syracuse can keep this game reasonable on the boards, they should coast past Wake's mediocre offense.

At the end of the day, I think the cold blooded Tyler Ennis and crew are too much offensively for the Demon Deacons.  I've got Syracuse running away with this one in the second half, 77-63.

Go Cuse.

~Ted Gioia