Bring on the Hoyas

Now that we've had 2 days to get the Higgins out of our systems, it's time to move on. Syracuse and Georgetown go at it on Big Monday tonight at 7 pm. To say winning the game will be a challenge for the young Orangemen is like saying it's a challenge for Skip Bayless to NOT be a douchebag. Possible - yes, probable - no.

Since there are already some good previews on the game up on other sites, there's no sense in reinventing the wheel - here they are:

* CuseAdelphia pairs up with a hoya blog (what's next, cats and dogs getting along?) to provide you with the inside scoop on the hoyas.

* TNIAAM has a preview up and some great clips from last year's game - you know the one we all thought had locked up an NCAA bid...uh never mind - just check out the clips and the always strong headline.

* The Post Standard introduces us to Roy Hibbert (ummmm, I think we just might have heard about him) has the usual full preview up here.

* And while not a preview, State of the Orange isn't happy with the dome PA announcer and I thought you needed to know.

If Syracuse is going to have any chance at all they need to get out in transition and take Hibbert out of the game. In order to do that, they need to force turnovers in the half court set, be vigilant on the glass and get the outlet pass to Jonny and let him turn on the jets. Memphis neutralized him earlier this year because they beat him down the floor and Joey Dorsey played like a madman and grabbed every rebound in sight. AO, Harris and Donte Greene have to do the same.

Georgetown is patient, well coached and deep so I don't see it happening. This one feels like a 79-68 win for the hoyas. Their patience and execution on offense, combined with Syracuse's struggles in the half court are too much to handle - I hope I'm wrong, but at least it feels good to hate Georgetown again.