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

Two of the best in the Big East will close out their regular seasons against each other when the Louisville Cardinals travel to the Carrier Dome to take on the Syracuse Orange. 

Rick Pitino's squad has had a rough time lately, losing three of their last five games, but all of that will be forgotten with a victory over the No. 2-ranked team in the country. It will also give them the momentum they need to win the Big East tournament next week. 

Syracuse has been rolling virtually all season. With a 16-1 mark in conference play, the Orange have already wrapped up the Big East regular-season title. They are still battling with Kentucky for the No. 1 spot in the country, but they are a virtual lock to be a top seed in the NCAA tournament. 

Where: Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York

When: Saturday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: CBSSports.com

Betting Line: TBA

What's At Stake?

At this point, both teams are just fighting over momentum. Syracuse wants to keep its positive vibes going when the Big East tournament starts on Tuesday. 

Louisville has struggled in conference play this season with a 10-7 record. The Cardinals did play Syracuse close the first time they met, but wound up losing by a point. They aren't intimidated by the big bad Orange.

Louisville Injury Report (via SportsBooks.com)

Out: F Rakeem Buckles (Knee), F Stephan Van Treese (Knee), G Mike Marra (Knee)

Syracuse Injury Report (via SportsBooks.com)

No injuries listed

What They Are Saying

It is rare in this day and age to see a lot of seniors get the send-off they deserve from an adoring home crowd, but Scoop Jardine has been such a critical part of the Syracuse program for the last four years that he is expecting something special for himself and Kris Joseph on Saturday. 

From the Watertown Daily Times, Jardine says, "They’ve (the fans) been so appreciative to me over the years and have never judged me. To be able to share it with Kris makes it extra special because we’ve been through some great times together."

Jardine has never been the best player on the team, but he is someone every program wishes they could get a hold of. He is a gritty player who isn't afraid to take on any challenge. 

Louisville Player To Watch: G Russ Smith

The first time these two teams played, Smith scored just three points and didn't make one field goal. He averages 12 points per game this season, but is shooting just 37.4 percent from the floor.

The Cardinals struggled to score points in their first matchup with Syracuse, so it is imperative that their premium scorers are able to make shots. 

Kyle Kuric, who leads the team in scoring, had just three points in that game, too. Both players must step up their game for them to have a chance on the road. 

Syracuse Player To Watch: G Scoop Jardine

Jardine was actually worse than Smith and Kuric in the first matchup between these two teams, scoring zero points on 0-for-8 shooting. 

Even though there are more prominent players on the team, Jardine seems to be the one who always takes and makes the big shots in critical moments. 

Syracuse can win without him, but his presence and leadership have helped make the players around him that much better. 

Key Matchup: Louisville Guards vs. Syracuse Guards

It would be easy to single out a specific matchup in this game, but the reason that the first game was so close is because of the defense that all the guards played on each other. 

Smith, Jardine, Brandon Triche and Peyton Siva all have to put forth at least a solid effort to give their team a chance to win this game. 

Louisville relies on its guards more than Syracuse, so look for the Cardinals players to see how they are shooting and defending early on. 

Prediction

Louisville will keep it close early, but Syracuse is too deep and will pull out a victory late in the second half. 

Syracuse 69, Louisville 62

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