The Syracuse Orange (12-9, 3-5) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-10, 2-6) are both fighting through 1-4 stretches heading into tomorrow night’s game. Tip off from the JMA Dome is 6:00 and you can catch all the action on The CW. Here’s what we’re predicting:

Kevin: Syracuse 83, Notre Dame 81

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I think the Orange find a way to hold onto a lead and close this out behind Donnie Freeman. The standout power forward bounced back in a big way at NC State and Notre Dame’s defense won’t prevent him from getting the ball in better spots on Saturday night. It’s a double-double for Donnie who plays 37 minutes and delivers a stop to the losing streak.

Dom: Syracuse 80, Notre Dame 73

It will be another frustrating game where the Orange’s defense just isn’t consistent the entire way, keeping it mostly close, but in the end the offense carries thanks to Freeman and strong play from the starting guards. Both teams are certainly in a lull, with Notre Dame competing strongly but still losing six of its last seven, while Syracuse has dropped four straight. Who’s the more desperate team? I’ve got the Orange Kool-Aid with this prediction that Syracuse can get back in the win column.

Max: Syracuse 76, Notre Dame 70

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Also riding with the Orange here. Both teams are obviously struggling, but Syracuse should have the upper hand at home, given its offensive and defensive efficiency advantages in conference play per KenPom. Notre Dame’s attack moves at a snail’s pace (second-slowest in ACC play), and this will allow SU’s defense to set up and use its athleticism to lock down the paint. Expect the home team to take much better care of the ball en route to snapping a four-game skid.

Szuba: Syracuse 77, Notre Dame 69

If Syracuse can’t beat Notre Dame without its best player in its home arena this fanbase will spontaneously combust. The Orange front court should be able to dominate in this game. Even a struggling backcourt should be be able to find Freeman and let him dominate inside. The Orange defense will likely surrender some open looks to Braeden Shrewsberry but the offense should be able to score effectively against a middling Irish defense to avoid a five-game slide.

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What’s your prediction?