Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

With Syracuse nestled at the top of the college basketball standings, they are taking on the tough Pitt Panthers in what should be an excellent test of the team’s merit.

If Pittsburgh can knock off the Orange Monday night, they will be submitting their bid for a spot in the Top 25 as well as knocking Syracuse from their top spot.

Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY

When: Monday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN and ESPN 3

Listen: ESPN Radio

Betting Line: Over/Under: 136.5; Spread: Syracuse -13

Injuries (CBS Sports)

Pittsburgh

Travon Woodall: Doubtful

Syracuse

No injuries to report

Pitt Player to Watch: Nasir Robinson

Nasir Robinson will be coveted out of college because of the fact that he does everything well and is already playing huge minutes at the college level. It’s those minutes that have allowed him to average 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game, though. Watch for the Pitt offense to run through Robinson all night.

Syracuse Player to Watch: Kris Joseph

The Orange have one of the most versatile players in the country with the slashing forward Kris Joseph. This is a kid that leads the team with 13.7 points per game as well as 4.7 rebounds and another 1.8 assists. If Joseph can get separation down low, he will not only open up his own shooting lanes, but others for his teammates.

What They’re Saying

ESPN coordinating producer Desmond M. Wallace is reporting on Twitter:

Key Matchup: Syracuse’s Fab Melo vs. Dante Taylor and the Other Non-Centers Used at Center

While his offensive numbers have improved, it is the defense that seven-footer Fab Melo brings to the Orange that has opponents running scared. Take that fact and compare it to the Pitt Panthers and the fact that they have one pure center on the whole team (Malcolm Gilbert), who only averages just over five minutes per game, and you have the advantage that will win Syracuse the game.

I expect Melo to have around 15 and 15 when the game is over.

Prediction: Syracuse 77, Pitt 69

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