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The Syracuse Orangemen head to Maryland today in what analysts and handicappers still consider a trap for Syracuse. I beg to differ. Syracuse is on a two game losing streak but it’s not like they’ve lost in head scratching fashion like analysts are making it out to be. One loss was in overtime, and the loss to Duke, Syracuse should of at least had a chance to play in overtime on CJ Fair’s bucket if the ref would of held the whistle in his mouth.

I can’t recall a team that doesn’t experience a stint during a season where their inexperienced talent hits a bit of a snag. That has happened with Syracuse’s backcourt in Trevor Cooney and Tyler Ennis. Both have outdid expectations considerably this season. All season long both have had their ups and downs but when one seemed to be having an off night the other guard picked up his play. Against Boston College and Duke neither has been able to get on track from an offensive standpoint.

Facing a Maryland team that is not void of talent will be a challenge. But this talented Maryland squad has been extremely disappointing. They turn the ball over far too much and seem to not have any offensive flow. Maryland should have been the type of team to be without question a top five ACC team but guards Dez Wells and Nick Faust just have not played as well as last season.

Their biggest deficiency comes defensively. They lack foot speed at the center, power forward, and small forward position to cover a team as athletic as Syracuse. This is the type of matchup that should create the type of offensive performance outburst that Jim Boeheim and Syracuse need.

They’re should not be any problems getting points from CJ Fair, Rakeem Christmas, and Jerami Grant in half court sets. On top of that I think Syracuse will create a ton of turnovers against a Maryland team that struggles in normal half court sets let alone facing a zone. Look for the Cuse to get out in run and for balanced scoring all around from Syracuse.

Sometimes in a loss confidence can be found. Michael Gbinje played productive minutes against Duke and Syracuse will need him on the floor to spell Trevor Cooney and Tyler Ennis more. Likewise seeing Baye Keita comeback from injury and perform well has to be a big boost of confidence to the team.

The losing streak ends and Syracuse puts on a show in Maryland tonight.