Syracuse’s third-round game against California tips off at 9:40 p.m. EST. The Orange is going to see a good Golden Bears team that has some good shooters, including Pac-12 Player of the Year Allen Crabbe. But will California be able to pull off the upset against Syracuse?

Here are The Daily Orange men’s basketball beat writers’ predictions for the game:

Michael Cohen

Syracuse 73, California 66

I picked Syracuse to lose in this game, but that was when I thought UNLV would be its opponent. California is a good team with capable shooters, but I’m not sure the Golden Bears can handle Syracuse defensively. Southerland has a big game, Fair does, too. And the Orange rolls into the Sweet 16.

Ryne Gery

Syracuse 79, California 68

Syracuse is playing some of its best basketball all season at the right time. The Orange will stay hot offensively and contain Cal’s leading scorer Allen Crabbe en route to the victory and a berth in the Sweet Sixteen.

Chris Iseman

Syracuse 70, California 64

Syracuse has played well in its last five games, with the exception of the second half of the Big East tournament championship game against Louisville. But the Golden Bears’ defense won’t be nearly as tough as the Cardinals’ full-court press was in that game. The Golden Bears are good, there’s no question about that. And Allen Crabbe is a great player. While California might be used to seeing zone, it hasn’t seen one with the type of length Syracuse has. It’ll be too much for the Golden Bears to overcome.

Published on March 23, 2013 at 2:08 pm