No. 10 Syracuse Orange vs No. 7 Dayton Flyers
Having Jim Boeheim suspended for the first eight conference games of the year was a big blow to the Syracuse Orange. They lost the first four ACC games and then went on a three-game win streak before losing the last contest leading up to Boeheim’s return. The Orange then won five straight before ending the season on a sour note with five losses in the final six games.
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Michael Gbinije could be a huge key for the Orange in this one if they want to pull off the upset against Dayton. He leads the team, offensively, with 17.8 points and 4.4 assists per game to go along with his 41 percent three-point shooting rate. Syracuse shoots over 36 percent from long range and watch out for Trevor Cooney, Malachi Richardson and Tyler Lydon who can all fill it up.
Dayton has been a Cinderella in March Madness before, making it to the Elite Eight in 2013-14 and then winning its first round game under Archie Miller last year before getting knocked out in the round of 32. Do this year’s Flyers have what it takes to make another deep run or is their region just too tough, much like their first round matchup?
Charles Cooke is that guy who can get the offense going if the Flyers are stagnant. The junior guard averages 15.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and he’s shooting a healthy 41 percent from three-point land. Dyshawn Pierre is also a guy to keep an eye on for the Flyers. He’s willing to get down and dirty in the post, averaging 13.0 points and 8.6 boards per game.
Details for Friday’s Syracuse vs Dayton game are below:
Date: Friday, March 18
Start Time: 12:15 p.m. ET
Location: St. Louis, MO
Stadium: Scottrade Center
TV Info: CBS
Live Stream: March Madness Live
Radio: For Syracuse radio affiliates, click here. For Dayton radio affiliates, click here.
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