The Fizz has caught up with college basketball insiders from across the country this week to dissect Syracuse’s bracket. Pete Thamel of the New York Times likes the Orange chances at making it into the Sweet 16, but says there no guarantees.
“I do think they can make it out of the opening weekend. Xavier is very good. They’re the least mid-major of of any mid-major team in the country. They’ve been there. The’ve had a flurry of recent tournament success. That’ll be a very diffucult game in the secnd round. Quite frankly, If Marquette beats Xavier that’ll be a very difficult game. They’re well coached. Buzz Williams always does a great job preparing.”
Fizz with Pete Thamel, New York Times
Complete Selection Sunday FizzCast
For any Syracuse fan fretting over a the matchup with Indiana State, winners of the Missouri Valley Conference? Fear not, says Thamel.
“The one good thing for Syracuse is they got a great draw in the first round. Indiana State just isn’t very good. They’re the third team in a bad league. There’s a lot scarier 14-seeds sitting out there, like Wofford, than Indiana State.¬†There will be no ghosts of Richmond on opening weekend.”
On Sunday night, Dave Curtis of the Sporting News told The Fizz, “I don’t (see a deep Syracuse run), to be honest with you. In this bracket, if they can just get to the Sweet 16, that’s a pretty good achievement. To ask this Syracuse team to get to the Final Four, that’s a pretty tall task. Get to that second weekend and take your chances.”
More from The Fizz’s Syracuse NCAA Tournament Preview:
- Team coverage FizzCast on the Orange draw (including more with Dave Curtis)
- Syracuse v. Indiana State: Could the Sycamores pull the upset?
- Xavier stands in the way of more SU March magic
Posted: D.A.
