FSU basketball travels to Syracuse for their next matchup

Falling to Clemson and losing a five-game winning streak presents new challenges for this iteration of FSU basketball.

Largely limited by the Tigers' change of defensive scheme, the Seminoles look to get back to winning ways when they travel to New York for tomorrow's match-up with the Syracuse Orange.

The Orange are currently on a two-game winning streak in the series and have won the last three of four against Florida State. They have also defended their home court well against the Seminoles as FSU has only won two games in the Carrier Dome.

Syracuse enters the game sitting sixth in the ACC and is one game behind the Seminoles. Led by starting guard, Judah Mintz (3) with nearly 18, the Orange have three players averaging double-digit points per game.

As a team, the Orange totals 75.7 points in each contest and allows 71.7 on average. They also shoot 44% from the field, 33.2% from three-point, and 73.8% from free-throw. They are fresh off an emotional win over Miami that came down to a buzzer-beating three, making it two wins in a row for Syracuse and three wins in the last five games.

The Seminoles hover around similar numbers in comparison, averaging 76.6 points per game and allowing 73.5. On a per-game basis, FSU shoots 43.9% from the field, 32.6% from behind the three-point arc, and 69.2% on free throws.

ESPN favors Syracuse with a 66.6 percent chance to win. The game will likely come down to if FSU can create easy baskets against the Syracuse frequently used zone defense. How easily each offense can get established in the paint will be pivotal as both teams bring a lot of height and length to the contest.

Former 'Nole Naheem McLeod (10) will be a name to watch as he is 7'4" and makes scoring difficult averaging 1.9 blocks per game.

FSU will likely heavily depend on Jahmir Watkins (2), who leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists. Primo Spears (23) will also be pivotal as he looks to improve on a poor shooting performance. The Seminoles will also need big games from the likes of Jaylan Gainey (33), De'Ante Green (5), and Cam Corhen (3) as they typically play in the paint.

Fanduel also favors Syracuse by -4.5 and project the point total at 149.5.

For reference, all stats compiled are from ESPN.