After an eight-day hiatus, Syracuse (13-6, 2-4 Atlantic Coast) returns to the hardwood Wednesday at 7 p.m. inside the Carrier Dome for a matchup with Boston College (13-7, 3-4). The Eagles went 10-62 in ACC play over the previous four seasons entering 2017-18, yet they have already won three games in conference play. That includes wins against then-No.1 Duke, Florida State and Wake Forest.

The Orange, meanwhile, will look to build on its first win since New Year’s Eve, a home victory over Pittsburgh last week. Here’s what you need to know about Boston College for Wednesday night’s matchup.

All-time series: Syracuse leads, 46-25

Last time they played: Two weeks after getting lit up for 96 points at Conte Forum, Syracuse secured a 23-point home victory over BC. Tyus Battle led all scorers with 21 points to go along with two assists and a trio of steals. Frank Howard scored four points in 16 minutes of action, while BC’s guards Jerome Robinson and Ky Bowman were held to only 12 points.

The Boston College report: Boston College gets 34 percent of its total scoring on 3-pointers, the second highest rate in the conference. That likely prompted SU head coach Jim Boeheim’s comment Monday afternoon on the ACC teleconference.

“I don’t think anybody shoots the ball from the 3-point line better than this team,” he said. “They’re extremely good from the 3-point line.”

The Eagles don’t boost the most eye-opening offensive lineup, especially thanks to the season-ending injury of stretch-forward Teddy Hawkins. What they do have is a dynamic backcourt that can spread the floor and will stretch SU’s zone. That backcourt powered the Eagles to a near-upset over Virginia and a big-time win over then-No. 1 Duke back in December in Chestnut Hill. Bowman dropped 30 points, Robinson 24 and Jordan Chatman had 22.

Boston College is best when it scores 80 plus points. The team is 9-0 when it reaches the 80-point barrier, including its Duke win, when the Eagles scored 89 points against Mike Krzyzewski’s defense.

How Syracuse beats Boston College: BC will have a rough time if its shooters get cold. Rushed, errant and forced 3-point shots could turn into a bevy of rebounds and offensive production at the other end for SU. A low-scoring defensive bout would be a way Syracuse wins.

The Orange has not been flawless in its guard defense, letting one or two guys get loose around the perimeter. Shoring up that area would force BC to try to match up inside a bit, something the Eagles would not prefer.

Stat to know: 20

On Sunday at Louisville, the Eagles cut an 18-point deficit with 3:57 to play to a two-point game with 33 seconds to play by scoring 20 points in the final four minutes. While BC lost 77-69, it is clear the BC offense can generate points quickly via the 3-pointer and in transition — two areas SU will look to slow down Wednesday night.

Kenpom odds: Kenpom gives Syracuse a 71 percent chance to win the game and predicts a 67-61 Syracuse victory.

Player to watch: Jerome Robinson, guard, No. 1

The 6-foot-6 junior has scored at least 19 points in six of BC’s seven ACC games. He averaged 18.7 points per game last season, then spent seven weeks in California at Integrity Hoops, an offseason personal development program for college, NBA G-League and NBA players. He can facilitate between both guard spots. He’s been effective this season in catch-and-shoot opportunities, while creating for himself off frequent pick-and-roll scenarios.

Published on January 23, 2018 at 10:18 pm

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