Virginia vs. Syracuse Prediction – Who’s Got Next


Virginia vs. Syracuse prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight matchup between the Cavaliers and Orange.


How they got here

Virginia beat No. 16 Hampton 81-45 in the first round, beat No. 9 Butler 77-69 in the second round, beat No. 4 Iowa State 84-71 in Sweet 16; Syracuse beat No. 7 Dayton 70-51 in first round, No. 15 Middle Tennessee 75-50 in second round, beat No. 11 Gonzaga 63-60 in Sweet 16

Why Virginia will win

Virginia is known as a defensive team, but it showed it can be an offensive power in its Sweet 16 win over Iowa State. UVA hoped to control the tempo, but after getting out to a big lead early, the Cavaliers were more than happy to play more of an up-tempo style and exploit ISU’s lack of interest on the defensive end. But it’s not like UVA suddenly found some weapons. Yes, getting 18 points and seven rebounds out of center Mike Tobey off the bench was a bit unexpected, but forward Anthony Gill can be dominant against anyone, and guards Malcolm Brogdon and London Perrantes can put up numbers and play any style. Perrantes is a rudder for the Cavaliers, and he does a great job of stretching the defense and taking care of the ball. Brogdon had an off-shooting night vs. Iowa State, but that was uncharacteristic. Brogdon is driven and will look to have a big game in the Elite Eight. Gill’s work inside will be critical for Virginia vs. Syracuse. He needs to stay out of foul trouble to give The Cavaliers a dependable scorer in the paint who can provide some balance for the offense. UVA also must continue to avoid turnovers, which has been a strength for the past few years.

Why Syracuse will win

Syracuse is headed to the Elite Eight, and the Orange did it with a balanced offense and by attacking the basket. Controlling the offensive glass was critical, as well, and when ‘Cuse is using its length to shut down the lane, the Orange are tough to beat. Forward Michael Gbinije is the star on the block, and he can score with his back to the bucket, driving to the rim or by knocking down the long three. He is a stat-line stuffer, and when he’s on his game, the floor opens for his teammates. Guards Malachi Richardson and Trevor Cooney can fill it up, too, and Cooney’s hustle makes him an impact player. Richardson, meanwhile, is a multi-talented scorer who can take over games. The X-factor vs. Virginia will be forward Trevor Roberson, who had nine offensive boards vs. Gonzaga and allowed Syracuse to score on second-chance points. ‘Cuse is disruptive defensively, and the team’s length is going to create tough passing angles for Virginia in the halfcourt. Syracuse has the advantage from an athletic standpoint, and Syracuse doesn’t want to get in a grinder with the Cavaliers.

Virginia vs. Syracuse Prediction

Syracuse is in the Elite Eight without beating a team from a power conference, and Virginia is simply at a different level in every phase than anyone the Orange have played in the past couple of weeks. Virginia’s poise will allow the Cavs to move the ball and get good shots, and UVA will be headed to Houston.

Virginia vs. Syracuse Final Score Prediction: Virginia 65, Syracuse 58

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