Virginia at Syracuse: 2022-23 basketball game preview, TV schedule

The Virginia Cavaliers look to pull off a season sweep over Syracuse. Can the Orange find a way to win a key ACC battle on Monday night?

TV schedule: Monday, January 30th, 7:00 pm ET. ESPN

Arena: JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York

When Syracuse and Virginia faced off for the first time this season, the home team was able to pull off the 73-66 victory. Five players were in double figures for the Cavaliers, led by 16 points from Armaan Franklin. Although Kihei Clark wasn’t one of those with 10+ points, he did dish out 11 assists. On the Orange side, Judah Mintz and Joe Girard kept them in the game, scoring 37 points combined.

That was the start of a six-game win streak for Virginia (16-3 (8-2 ACC), who is now second in the conference standings. They’re coming off a 76-57 win over Boston College, led by 18 points and six rebounds from forward Jayden Gardner. In the past few weeks, he’s been playing at the five-spot, as Ben Vander Plas has been inserted into the starting lineup and getting 30+ mpg.

Syracuse (13-9, 6-5 ACC) has been flying under the radar in its own tier in the league. They’re over .500 in ACC play and have been fairly competitive but have struggled to close out games late. The most recent example was a four-point defeat at home against North Carolina, where they had a late lead. The Orange had no chance of beating Virginia Tech this past weekend, down early and often.

The final score was 85-70 in a loss, despite 21 points and eight assists from Mintz. The 85 points allowed were the most given up by the Orange this season. Virginia won’t likely score as much due to the slow pace they play but if they’re efficient enough, it’ll cause problems for the zone defense Syracuse mostly plays with.

One interesting question to consider is whether or not Kadin Shedrick, Virginia’s original starting center, will play much. His minutes have been cut since the team went small-ball but he played 23 minutes last time against the Orange and held Jesse Edwards to just four points total. In order to win, they may have to go that route.

With the game in New York, this could get interesting but Clark and Reece Beekman aren’t going to struggle against the zone or man defense. It won’t be a blowout but look for the Cavalier to keep it rolling.

Prediction: Virginia 73, Syracuse 63