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Pregame Shootaround 2.4.13: Syracuse looks to snap losing streak

Brandon Triche, C.J. Fair, Michael Carter-Williams

Syracuse players, from left, Brandon Triche, Michael Carter-Williams and C.J. Fair walk down the court for a Villanova foul shot during the final minute of overtime in an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, in Philadelphia. Villanova won 75-71 in overtime. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

Game of the Day: No. 25 Notre Dame at No. 9 Syracuse (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Syracuse will once against be without James Southerland and DaJuan Coleman, which has cost the Orange of late. They’ve now lost their last two games, both of which came on the road against unranked opponents. And while Syracuse will be heading back to the Carrier Dome for Big Monday tonight, they’ll be forced to face off with Notre Dame, the team that ended their undefeated season a year ago.

The Irish are actually a pretty good matchup with Syracuse. They have arguably the most physical player in the Big East in Jack Cooley, who can take up space and get to the offensive glass with the best of them. But they also have a pair of play-making guards in the back court and a slew of shooters to rotate through on the perimeter. Pitt is one of the best passing teams in the Big East, but Notre Dame may be better. Can they dissect the Syracuse zone?

Mid-Major Matchup of the Day: UNC-Wilmington at Towson (7:00 p.m. ET)

There aren’t many great matchups at the mid-major level tonight, and this really is no different, as both Towson and UNC-Wilmington are well off the pace in the CAA race. That said, both teams have very good power forwards -- Keith Rendlemen for UNCW and Jerrelle Benimon for Towson -- that should put on quite a show going head to head tonight.

Five Things to Watch For

1) Oklahoma visits Iowa State tonight in a battle between two teams looking to establish themselves with legitimate NCAA tournament resumes. Both are sitting at 5-3 in league play, but both still have plenty of work to do to get that at-large bid. This game should be plenty entertaining, as both teams have perimeter-oriented big men and like to spread the floor.

2) George Mason and Old Dominion have had a strong rivalry for a long time. This is the last season that it will exist in the CAA, with ODU leaving. Can the Monarchs, who are 2-18 on the season, turn things around for one night?

3) Texas plays West Virginia in the Big Monday night cap. That may be the worst Big Monday matchup in the history of Big Monday.

4) Seton Hall has dropped to 2-7 in the Big East. An at-large bid isn’t really a possibility at this point, but the Pirates could be a serious spoiler in a tightly packed Big East race. They visit No. 23 Pitt tonight.

5) San Diego at Loyola Marymount means Anthony Ireland vs. Johnny Dee.

The Top 25


  • No. 25 Notre Dame at No. 9 Syracuse (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)
  • Seton Hall at No. 23 Pitt (9:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU)

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.