Syracuse Orange vs Georgetown Hoyas Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Syracuse and Georgetown Face Off in 100th Meeting of Storied Rivalry

A milestone chapter unfolds in one of college basketball’s most storied rivalries as Syracuse and Georgetown square off for the 100th time on Saturday. The Orange will host the Hoyas in a clash that evokes decades of intense Big East showdowns, though Syracuse now resides in the ACC.

Historic Rivalry Reaches Milestone

Syracuse leads the all-time series 54-45, a rivalry that has featured countless memorable moments. Even though the two programs now compete in separate conferences, the annual matchup remains a staple for fans of both teams. Syracuse has won five of the last seven meetings, including a 12-point victory in Washington, D.C., last season.

“It definitely felt like a Big East game,” Georgetown coach Ed Cooley said after last year’s contest, underscoring the significance of this enduring rivalry.

Georgetown’s Recent Struggles

The Hoyas (7-2) enter Saturday’s game looking to rebound from a 73-60 loss to West Virginia. Georgetown struggled offensively, shooting under 38 percent from the field and committing 14 turnovers.

Cooley stressed the importance of cohesive play after the loss. “When the ball has music, when the ball is singing, unbelievable music happens,” he said. “The music is the play. The music is body movement and screening an open shot. We didn’t have good music today.”

Freshman standout Thomas Sorber leads Georgetown with 15.4 points per game, though he has fallen below his average in six of the last seven games. The Hoyas will need Sorber to rediscover his scoring touch against a Syracuse team that can exploit lapses in execution.

Syracuse’s Offensive Revival

The Orange (5-4) are coming off a 102-85 win over Albany, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to Notre Dame. Despite missing leading scorer J.J. Starling (19.8 points per game) due to a hand injury, Syracuse found offensive spark through freshman Donnie Freeman, who poured in 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting in just 23 minutes.

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“Whatever (illness) he has, he needs to keep that, if he can keep playing like [that],” Syracuse coach Adrian Autry joked about Freeman’s breakout performance despite battling an illness.

The Orange’s perimeter shooting, however, remains a concern. While they shot a respectable 40 percent (6-of-15) from 3-point range against Albany, Syracuse failed to make a single 3-pointer in their previous game against Notre Dame — a rare occurrence that hadn’t happened in over a decade. Chris Bell leads the team with 11 made 3-pointers but is shooting just 25 percent from beyond the arc.

Key Matchups

• Thomas Sorber vs. Syracuse’s Defense: Sorber’s scoring ability is pivotal for Georgetown. Syracuse’s interior defense will need to keep him in check to disrupt the Hoyas’ rhythm.
• Donnie Freeman vs. Georgetown’s Frontcourt: Freeman’s recent offensive surge provides a spark for Syracuse. Can he sustain his production against Georgetown’s physical defenders?
• Perimeter Shooting: Syracuse’s inconsistent 3-point shooting could be a deciding factor. Georgetown will look to capitalize if the Orange struggle from deep.

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What to Watch

• J.J. Starling’s Absence: Syracuse will need a collective effort to compensate for Starling’s scoring void. Who will step up in his absence?
• Georgetown’s Turnovers: The Hoyas must clean up their ball-handling issues to avoid giving Syracuse easy scoring opportunities.
• Intensity of the Rivalry: With the 100th meeting adding to the stakes, expect a high-energy, physical battle reminiscent of classic Big East showdowns.

Outlook

This matchup represents more than just a non-conference game—it’s a celebration of one of college basketball’s most iconic rivalries. Syracuse enters with momentum from their recent win, but Georgetown’s size and Sorber’s potential to dominate inside could pose challenges for the Orange. If Syracuse can overcome Starling’s absence and find consistency from beyond the arc, they should have the edge at home. However, Georgetown’s determination to rebound from their loss to West Virginia adds an unpredictable element to this milestone showdown.