SYRACUSE ORANGEMEN
 Coach: Jim Boeheim  |  Record: 23-11

 
Overview: An up and down season had Syracuse fans sweating out whether or not their team would make this tourney field. But supreme work in the Big East Tournament propelled Syracuse into the field of 65. Some might scoff at Syracuse's loss total and not consider this team a threat to win it, but hey, people did that to NC State back in 1984, too. Included in that loss total are two losses to No. 1 Connecticut and two others to No. 2 Villanova. The Orangemen have been in the mix with some tough competition to this point, so never count out a team that's used to trading punches with the big boys.

Potential Difference Maker: Gerry McNamara doesn't just hit a lot of shots (he's the Big East career leader in 3-point baskets). No, he also hits some very big shots, as evidenced by his stellar work in the Big East Tournament. And with Jim Boeheim stepping up and getting his back with the press in recent days, McNamara suddenly has some extra motivation to work with.

On Offense: This is their least versatile offense, as most of what they will do is set ball screens for Gerry McNamara to create. They still will try to play inside-outside, but their big men have not been consistent this year.

On Defense: They will play their standard 2-3 zone, but it is the toughest zone in the country. They still have enough athletes to make it difficult to get good perimeter looks.

Strength: They are coming off a great run in the Big East Tournament, so they have something special going and the ‘Cuse always knows how to win. Their zone defense is difficult to play against in the tournament when shooters get a little tight.

Weakness: Their inside game is very inconsistent and they have been a poor rebounding team. Finding offense outside of McNamara has been a challenge.

Keys to Success: They will go as far as their interior players let them. McNamara will have to be good every night to have a chance and they will need to bottle the formula that worked for them in New York.

How to Beat Them: You have to have patience against the zone and attack the middle. Defensively, you have to contain McNamara and make it difficult for him to create shots for others.