Tennessee Volunteers vs Syracuse Orange Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Volunteers Aim to Stay Perfect

The No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers have set the tone for a dominant season, boasting an unblemished 7-0 record. The Volunteers, who are winning by an average margin of over 27 points, will face a Syracuse team still finding its identity as part of the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday night in Knoxville, Tenn.

Led by head coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee has blended veteran leadership with fresh talent to build an early season juggernaut. Their most recent game, a commanding 80-35 win over UT Martin, showcased their defensive prowess and depth.

“Our pursuit of the ball was obviously what we want,” Barnes said after his team dominated the rebounding battle 49-24, including 20 offensive boards.

Tennessee’s Felix Okpara was a standout, recording 10 points and 11 rebounds. Igor Milicic and Jahmai Mashack also made significant contributions on the glass, underscoring the Volunteers’ balanced team effort.

Tennessee’s Keys to Success

• Defense Leading the Way: The Volunteers held UT Martin to just 35 points and 12 field goals, highlighting their defensive intensity. Opponents are struggling to find rhythm against Tennessee’s relentless defense.
• Depth and Cohesion: Despite adding new faces, the Volunteers have built a cohesive unit. “They like each other, which is a major thing,” Barnes said, emphasizing the team’s chemistry.
• Offensive Rebounding Dominance: Tennessee’s ability to grab second-chance opportunities has been pivotal, as shown by their 20 offensive rebounds against UT Martin.

Syracuse Relies on Freshmen Development

While Tennessee rolls into the matchup with momentum, Syracuse (4-2) is focusing on growth and progress, particularly from its freshman class. The Orange’s two losses have come against major-conference opponents, but their young core has shown promise.

In their most recent outing, an 82-72 win over Cornell, freshman Elijah Moore sparked Syracuse with five 3-pointers en route to a career-high 19 points. Donnie Freeman, another first-year player, added a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

“The biggest improvement he’s made is on the defensive end,” Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry said of Moore, who earned 23 minutes against Cornell due to his two-way play.

What Syracuse Needs to Do

Leverage Freshmen Energy: Moore and Freeman have been game-changers for the Orange. Continued contributions from these rising stars could keep Syracuse competitive against Tennessee’s experienced squad.

Tighten Up Defense: Syracuse has struggled defensively against tougher opponents. To stand a chance, they’ll need to limit Tennessee’s offensive rebounds and transition scoring.

Avoid Turnovers: With Tennessee’s defensive pressure, Syracuse must protect the ball to avoid giving up easy points.

Last Season’s Matchup Revisited

The teams last met during the Maui Invitational last year, with Tennessee claiming a dominant 73-56 win. Syracuse will aim for a better showing this time, but the Volunteers’ roster depth and defensive discipline could once again present challenges.

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Prediction

Tennessee’s balance on both ends of the floor, combined with their ability to dominate the glass, makes them a tough opponent for a Syracuse team still developing consistency. Look for the Volunteers to continue their perfect start to the season.