Stephen Bailey: Syracuse 68, Western Michigan 55
Cowboy up
The Broncos have the talent to beat SU’s zone, but not the depth. The Orange gets just what it needs – a win to get back on track. Look for the Orange defense to pack it in late and take Shayne Whittington out of the game. And remember, Western Michigan turns the ball over more than 314 of the 345 Division I teams in the country.

Trevor Hass: Syracuse 74, Western Michigan 56
Controlling the controllables
Syracuse doesn’t let the Broncos get confident early and pulls away late thanks to a dazzling performance from Tyler Ennis. Western Michigan head coach Steve Hawkins said he plans to throw a bunch of different defenders Ennis’ way, but it won’t matter. When a lane to the basket isn’t there, he’ll find C.J. Fair and Jerami Grant for uncontested jumpers. Western Michigan simply doesn’t have the size, talent or depth to contend with SU.

David Wilson: 73-55 #softnosed
#softnosed
When the Orange can jump out to an early lead, it can usually put a lesser opponent away with ease. The No. 14-seed Broncos are going to have trouble attacking No. 3-seed SU’s zone and containing a healthy array of weapons. I’ll take the team with two lottery picks and Fair in this one.