Syracuse vs Wisconsin: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

Syracuse versus Wisconsin is going to be a low-scoring, defensive struggle.

Both teams defend well, with Wisconsin leading the nation in fewest points allowed per game (52.9), while the long and athletic defenders of Syracuse execute the 2-3 zone to perfection and hold teams to only 60.5 points per game (24th in nation).

Syracuse fields a team of thieves, with the Orange accumulating 9.4 steals per game. But Wisconsin aids its defense by slowing the game to a near halt and taking offensive possessions deep into the shot clock, dictating the game's pace.

Neither team rebounds particularly well, though the absence of Fab Melo for the Orange should sway that battle in favor of the Badgers.

What we are looking at here, ladies and gentlemen, is a good old-fashioned defensive battle. May the more consistent offensive team win.

Where: TD Garden in Boston, Mass.

When: Thursday, March 22nd at 7:15 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NCAA.com

Betting Line: Syracuse (-3.5), according to Vegas Insider

What They're Saying

Andy Glockner of Sports Illustrated pretty much sums up exactly what I think about this game. But since he covers college basketball exclusively, take his word for it:

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The Badgers also draw Syracuse, the best team in the regional over the course of the entire season, although that matchup may not be bad for the Badgers. They should be able to force the Orange into a stodgy, halfcourt game, as they don't turn the ball over much at all. They also take over 41 percent of their shots from three-point range, so having to shoot a ton of them over Cuse's zone isn't a deviation from style preference. That said, they still might not be able to handle Syracuse's depth and variety of offensive weapons in front of what should be a pro-Cuse crowd.

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Syracuse's Key to Victory: Cause Turnovers and Push the Tempo in Transition

Syracuse is faster and more athletic in Wisconsin, so the more it is able push the tempo in this game, the more it can take advantage of that fact.

If the majority of this game is played in the half court, it plays right into the hands of Wisconsin. The Orange need to run, run and run some more every chance they get.

Wisconsin's Key to Victory: Shoot Well From Beyond the Arc

Wisconsin obviously wants to keep this game in the half court, and given how strong the Badgers are defensively, and the fact that they don't turn the ball over very much (9.0 turnovers per game, second best in the nation), they should be able to accomplish that feat.

But it won't matter if they don't make shots, particularly from three.

Syracuse is also an excellent defensive team, and the best way to beat the 2-3 zone is to penetrate the middle of the zone, collapse it, kick the ball back out to the perimeter and hit outside shots.

If Wisconsin keeps the game at a snail's pace and hits its three-point shots, it'll have a real shot to upset the 'Cuse.

Key Player: Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin

The senior point guard leads Wisconsin in points (14.7) and assists (4.0) per game, but he also can shoot the Badgers out of the game if he gets cold.

If Taylor is able to run an efficient game from the point and hit his shots, it will make Wisconsin that much harder to beat. If he is cold, Wisconsin's already average offense may find it too hard to generate points against a strong Syracuse defense.

Prediction

Wisconsin always has a shot, because they play excellent defense and rarely beat themselves. That said, I still believe the bigger guards of Vanderbilt (John Jenkins and Jeffery Taylor), with their ability to hit outside jumpers, would have been a tougher matchup for Syracuse.

I believe the Orange will poach some easy baskets in transition, and their superior depth and athleticism will carry the day.

Syracuse wins, 63-56.

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