#17 Villanova will host #20 Syracuse at noon on Saturday. 'Nova (18-4, 6-3) is riding a 4-game winning streak in the conference. The Orange (18-5, 6-4) ended a 3-game skid by defeating West Virginia on Wednesday.
Defending Jim Boeheim's team is always difficult. This year there are five Orange players averaging double digits in scoring. Johnny Flynn leads the way with 17 points a game. Eric Devendorf adds 15 and Paul Harris averages about 13.
Andy Rautins and Arinze Onuaku have been injured as of late for Syracuse but should be nearing 100% for the the game at the Wachovia Center.
Boeheim usually starts Point Guard Johnny Flynn and Shooting Guard Andy Rautins. Down low is anchored by Forwards Paul Harris and Rick Jackson along with Center Arinze Onuaku.
Fuel for the Fire? Johnny Flynn was quoted saying...
Coming into the season, this is the team I wanted to beat the most out of any team we play… I just got a thing against Villanova. Every time I play them I want to beat them. I want to talk junk to their fans. I want to yell at their bench. I just really want to beat them, beat them bad.
Interesting Syracuse Shooting Stats... Syracuse is hitting 63.5% of their Free Throws this season, yet they lead the Big East in 3-Point Shooting at 40.9%
Quick Facts
- Syracuse leads the All-Time historical series 34-28
- 'Nova has won 5 of the last 7 games
- Jay Wright is 7-4 against Boeheim's Orange
Thanks to Norman for the Johnny Flynn quote!