Syracuse Orange vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Notre Dame Looks to Complete Season Sweep Against Syracuse

Notre Dame and Syracuse meet again on Saturday in an ACC battle, with both teams seeking consistency in a season filled with ups and downs. The Fighting Irish have already defeated the Orange once this season, and they’ll look to repeat that success on the road. Meanwhile, Syracuse is eager to bounce back after a rough showing earlier this week.

Notre Dame Gaining Confidence After Breaking Losing Streak

The Fighting Irish (8-9, 2-4 ACC) have struggled to build momentum this season, enduring both a five-game losing streak and a separate four-game skid. However, they finally snapped their latest slump with a 78-60 home victory over Boston College on Monday.

The win was powered by Tae Davis, who exploded for 26 points, while Markus Burton chipped in 20 points. Their offensive outburst gave Notre Dame a much-needed boost and positioned them even with Syracuse in the ACC standings—though both teams find themselves much lower in the rankings than they had hoped.

Today’s Winning College Basketball Picks! Check out NCAAB picks today for confident betting.

Key Players for Notre Dame

• Tae Davis (Forward) – Has scored in double figures in 12 straight games, proving to be Notre Dame’s most reliable scorer.
• Markus Burton (Guard) – A dynamic playmaker who missed the first game vs. Syracuse due to injury but is back in action now.
• Braeden Shrewsberry (Guard) – Led the Irish with 25 points in the first matchup vs. Syracuse, stepping up in Burton’s absence.

Head coach Micah Shrewsberry praised Davis’ ability to read defenses and close games.

“He’s a hard matchup,” Shrewsberry said. “Tae’s just been comfortable making the right play, reading the defense. He closed down the game for us when we needed him.”

With their offense clicking again, the Irish will aim for a strong start against Syracuse, hoping to avoid another extended losing streak.

Syracuse Searching for Answers After Blowout Loss

The Orange (8-9, 2-4 ACC) appeared to be building momentum with back-to-back wins, but that progress came to a halt in a brutal 85-61 home loss to Louisville on Tuesday.

While Chris Bell provided 18 points off the bench, the starting backcourt struggled badly:

• J.J. Starling, Lucas Taylor, and Elijah Moore combined for just four points
• 1-for-15 shooting from the floor

Head coach Adrian Autry was blunt about the team’s struggles.

Frustrated With Missed Opportunities?

Discover Winning NCAAB Predictions Today!

Join Now!

“If J.J. scores four points, we’re gonna have a tough time to win,” Autry admitted.

Syracuse’s First Meeting vs. Notre Dame

The Orange struggled offensively in their first matchup against the Irish, failing to make a single three-pointer for the first time since 2014. Starling was out that game, but Moore believes Syracuse had chances to win.

“Credit to them for winning, but they’re a team that we definitely could’ve beat,” Moore said. “We beat ourselves down with simple mistakes and just our game plan.”

With Starling back in the lineup, Syracuse hopes for a better offensive effort, but their defense will also need to improve to avoid another disappointing result.

Can Notre Dame Complete the Sweep?

Notre Dame’s confidence is growing, while Syracuse is looking to rebound after an embarrassing loss. The Irish already proved they can beat the Orange, but Syracuse will be eager to protect their home court and avoid another setback.

Will Notre Dame’s offense continue its momentum, or can Syracuse find a way to even the season series? Saturday’s matchup will provide the answer.