The Sweet Profile: Syracuse Orange

Team: Syracuse OrangeRegion: SouthLast Weekend: Defeated #14 Stephen F. Austin 59-44, Defeated Arizona State 78-67Next Game: vs. #2 Oklahoma, 7:27pm FridayHow Syracuse Got Here: The same way they get anywhere. Dancing on the edge of elimination. Eric Devendorf has scored 20+ points again while defenses keyed on Jonny Flynn. Their embarrassment-of-AWJS-riches continues to pay off. They won a low-scoring game over SFA, then held off a late run by Arizona State to survive and advance. What the Sweet 16 Means to the Orange: After playing in the NIT the past two seasons? It means a lot. Just getting back in the Dance was a huge relief, but winning a couple of games means that Boeheim isn't ready to be put out to pasture just yet, and his team is going to fight to remain amongst the elite.Chances to Reach Dee-troit: 50-50. Syracuse's famous 2-3 zone is marvelous at disrupting entry passes to talented big men. Griffin, however, can handle the ball well enough that he doesn't have to hang around in the lane waiting for a pass all night long. But the Orange have size, toughness, and can shoot, so that gives them the puncher's chance.