The Syracuse University basketball team faces a significant challenge heading into its matchup against No. 3 Tennessee, with JJ Starling ruled out due to an injury to his non-shooting hand. The point spread has grown even larger, with the Volunteers now listed as a 22-point favorite.
Syracuse’s struggles are well-documented, particularly when they’re big underdogs. The team boasts a 3-23 record in similar situations throughout program history. Tennessee, on the other hand, excels on both sides of the ball, boasting an offense that ranks No. 6 in the country and a defense second only to UCLA.
The Volunteers have dominated ACC foes Louisville and Virginia by an average of 22 points, while scoring 81.5 points per game themselves. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s offense is struggling, ranking No. 177 in the NCAA NET rankings. The team’s quest for quality non-conference and ACC wins will be more difficult with Starling out indefinitely.
With Starling ruled out, point guard Jaquan Carlos, freshman guard Elijah Moore, transfer Lucas Taylor, and returning veteran Kyle Cuffe will need to fill the void. There is also potential for Chance Westry making his debut, who has been sidelined due to a knee injury and illness that forced him to miss preseason practice time.
Coach Adrian Autry has emphasized the importance of getting Westry physically ready before considering him for game action, citing the significant time it takes to regain game shape after an extended layoff.
Source: https://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2024/12/with-jj-starling-out-syracuse-basketball-is-a-massive-underdog-at-tennessee.html