The former No. 1 Syracuse Orange lost their first game of the season over the weekend and that will cost SU the top ranking in the polls later today. But more important is what is going on with starting center Fab Melo and whether his predicament could cost Syracuse all 20 of its wins so far this year. The Orange look to avoid a second straight loss on Monday night at a very good Cincinnati team. SU is a 5.5-point favorite.
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The 7-foot Melo, one of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the nation, missed Saturday’s loss at Notre Dame because of an academic issue. No more information has been given yet, but Melo is definitely out tonight as well. The team is hoping he can return to play as soon as Jan. 28. Melo was eligible until the start of the second semester at Syracuse, which happened early last week. The Orange (20-1, 7-1 Big East) scored their fewest points of the season in Saturday’s 67-58 loss at the Irish. Without Melo, the Orange were outrebounded 38-25.
Cincinnati (15-5, 5-2) enters off a 77-74 overtime loss on Saturday at West Virginia as the Mountaineers hit a 3-pointer at the end of regulation to send it to an extra period. Yancy Gatesposted a double-double with 10 points and a season-high 13 rebounds to lead UC. That loss ended a seven-game conference road winning streak for the Bearcats.
Syracuse owns a 6-2 lead in the series, having won the last three meetings. The Orange posted a 67-52 win at Syracuse last season on Jan. 15. UC, however, has won its last three games against ranked opponents this season, all on the road. Syracuse is 6-1 ATS in its past seven road games overall. UC is 1-6 ATS in past seven home games.
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