The No. 3 Tennessee Volunteers (7-0) will host Syracuse (4-2) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET in the second edition of the SEC/ACC Challenge. The matchup marks the third ACC team for the Vols, who have already defeated Louisville and Virginia this season.
High-scoring guard J.J. Starling leads Syracuse with an average of 19.8 points per game. However, the Vols boast a strong offense, particularly in rebounding, with an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.5%, third-best in the country. Syracuse, on the other hand, struggles to limit opponents’ offensive rebounds, allowing just 17.6%.
The Vols have a strong history against the Orange, winning three straight games after losing their previous four meetings. Tennessee has won three consecutive home games against Syracuse, including a 66-62 win in January 2002.
Tennessee is dealing with injuries, with forward J.P. Estrella out for the season and guard Cam Carr sidelined for four to six weeks with a left thumb injury. The Vols will look to maintain their winning streak under coach Mike White.
Prediction: Tennessee 73, Syracuse 61.
Source: https://eu.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/mens-basketball/2024/12/02/tennessee-syracuse-basketball-prediction-picks-injury-updates/76496624007