Orange Scouting Report: Syracuse vs. Villanova

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To the point
Villanova might be getting in the heads of the Orange. SU has been blown out the last two times they've played the Wildcats. The Orange needs to prove it can beat Nova.

Three points
1. Since the 1995-96 season, Villanova is 5-2 at the Carrier Dome, including an 81-71 win over the Orange here last season.

2. On March 5, 2006, Villanova and Syracuse played in front of the largest crowd at an on-campus game in NCAA history when 33,633 fans turned out for Gerry McNamara's last home game.

3. On March 7, 1981, Villanova and Syracuse played in one of the most memorable games in Carrier Dome history. The two met in the finals of the Big East Tournament. Syracuse won 83-80 in triple overtime on a last-second tip-in by Leo Rautins.

Inside the stats
Syracuse is holding opponents to 29.7 percent shooting from 3-point range, which ranks third in the Big East. Villanova is making 36.2 percent of its 3-pointers.

Who's hot
Devendorf saved Syracuse last Saturday against Georgetown. He scored 21 of his 23 points after halftime. His two 3-point shots in overtime were critical. The second of his treys might be the most important shot of the season for the Orange.

 

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Matchups


Position Villanova Syracuse
Prime matchup:
Center

33-Dante Cunningham
Sr., 6-8, 230

The most improved player in the league. He has the ability to make plays and he's very consistent.

21-Arinze Onuaku
Jr., 6-9, 275

Two weeks ago, an injured Onuaku couldn't keep up with Cunningham. But can Cunningham physically match up with a healthy Onuaku?


Point guard

1-Scottie Reynolds
Jr., 6-2, 195

He's been that killer player. He's great on the ball-screen. He has the ability to score.

10-Jonny Flynn
So., 6-0, 185

Flynn had 22 points and eight assists in SU's loss at Villanova, but he didn't handle the Wildcats' tough defense well enough.


Shooting guard

15-Reggie Redding
Jr., 6-5, 205

He's their Mr. Consistency. He's a very good defensive player, but he's not that effective from the 3-point line.

23-Eric Devendorf
Jr., 6-4, 180

Villanova took Devendorf out of his game in Philly. He made just six of 18 shots and turned the ball over seven times.


Small forward

22-Dwayne Anderson
Sr., 6-6, 215

He's one of their top 3-point shooters, but he plays within the system. He's a controlled shooter.

11-Paul Harris
Jr., 6-4, 230

Harris got just five rebounds in SU's loss at Villanova. That won't cut it, especially when he's not at a size disadvantage vs. the Wildcats.


Power forward

20-Shane Clark
Sr., 6-7, 205

He's been playing great of late. He scores in multiple ways. He hits jump shots and goes to the offensive glass.

00-Rick Jackson
So., 6-9, 240

Jackson scored 12 points in just 16 minutes at Villanova. Jackson could play a key role today if he can stay out of foul trouble.