Syracuse-Pittsburgh: Breaking Down Big Monday

The Pittsburgh Panthers have a well-earned reputation as a hard-nosed bunch that plays a disciplined and efficient style of basketball.  Jamie Dixon's squad rarely beats itself, and after losing the top spot in the rankings after a loss to Louisville, they should be well prepared for their only matchup against the Orange this year.

The Panthers enter the game Monday night with only one loss and are averaging a healthy 78 points per game.  Unlike prior Pittsburgh teams, these Panthers have had no difficulty putting the ball in the basket and are averaging their highest point per game total of the past five years.

It's no longer just a matter of putting up points against a stifling Pittsburgh defense; you now have to worry about their offense burying you as well.  With only three players currently averaging double-digit scoring, led by Sam Young's 18 points per game average, Pittsburgh does an excellent job spreading the wealth around.

Young is the Panthers' best all-around player, and in addition to his 5.5 rebounds per game, he is shooting 36 percent from behind the three-point line.  Combine that with the inside presence of super sophomore DeJuan Blair, whose 12.8 rebounds per game sit just below Luke Harangody for the Big East lead, and the Orange have little to look forward to following a fast-paced game against Notre Dame on Saturday.

Although commentators have been quick to point out that no win is easy in the Big East, the Orange are going against the grain of late in trying their best to disprove that notion.  Syracuse dismantled a talented Notre Dame team on Saturday with a 19-point win, while three days earlier the Orange were guilty of sleepwalking their way through a 17-point loss to Georgetown.

After last week's showing, it will be interesting to see which Syracuse team shows up for Big Monday.  The Panthers are one team that can never be accused of taking a night off, and if Syracuse makes the mistake of not putting forth their best effort on Monday, they could be the victims of a second lopsided defeat in three games.

The game should be close, and it could come down to which team can keep its big men on the court.  If Blair or Young see limited time on Monday, the Orange should be able to control the inside and open up the court for deep threats Andy Rautins and Eric Devendorf.  Likewise, if the Panthers can get Arinze Onuaku or Rick Jackson in foul trouble, the Panthers should be able to dominate in the paint.

Assuming each team plays well, and foul problems are avoided by both teams, the Orange should win a close game, 77-72.