BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: LOUISVILLE HOPES DOME IS HOUSE OF CARDS

January 25, 2009


Big East action tips off with a highly anticipated showdown at noon in the Carrier Dome when Syracuse welcomes in Louisville. The Cards are riding high at 5-0 in the conference and out their six-game win streak on the line against the Orange.

SU has lost two of three after beginning conference play with four straight wins. The schedule has gotten tougher and now the Orange look to get back into the win column before the losses begin to pile up.

Orange Scouting Report: Louisville vs. Syracuse (Post-Standard)
Louisville Wary Heading into Syracuse (Kentucky.com)
Technical Issues Plague SU (Post-Standard)
Louisville’s Smith Scoring not up to Par (Courier-Journal)
Cards Aim to Impose T-Will (Post-Standard)
Cards Know Dome Can Spell Doom (Courier-Journal)

This game might act as a little bit of a moment of truth for the Orange. As they got off to their 15-1 start, 4-0 in the Big East, they were moving up in the eyes of many as a possible title contender in the Big East. After being thoroughly beaten by Georgetown and Pitt on the road, they have a crucial home game with red-hot Louisville.

SU has relied on Jonny Flynn heavily, but he will be facing pressure all game long against the Cards which will test his decision-making for 40 minutes. As a whole, decision making seems to be one area the SU team can improve upon.

The Cards have been getting great leadership from Terrence Williams and the front court duo of Earl Clark and Samardo Samuels could be lottery picks come June if they both declare.

SU will no doubt be energized by a large home crowd in the Dome. That will help with their intensity on the boards and defensively. I still think the Louisville guards are a notch below the level to carry them in this spot, but it should be a very good game that will come down to the end. If Andy Rautins is hitting some shots for the Orange, they will be in good shape to hold off the Cards.

The latest college basketball odds has the Orange listed as a 2 ½-point favorite on their home floor.


NBE Blogger Prediction:

Syracuse 73
Louisville 70