The Raiders and Orange aren't necessarily expected to win their first round contest at the Big Dance, but both teams seem confident that their stays in Indianapolis won't be short-term.
Overndianapol!
The syracusand cl teams have arrived in indy for the n-c-a-a tournament.
While the orange and raiders get set to put on their dancing shoes - we take a look at how they're gearing up for their first round match-ups.
Joining us in studio - sports director spencer davidson with the latest.
Jason - it seems to be the same old song and dance.
The orange were counted out - told by some they don't belong - and yet here they are...and underdog in a first round matchup of the n-c-a-a tournament.
The 11-seeded orange have drawn six-seed san diego state after earning an at-large bid some thought wouldn't come.
'cuse played its way in with wins in the final two games of the regular season and a strong showing against nationally-ranked virginia in the quarterfinals of the a-c-c tournament.
After the cavaliers had a positive covid-19 test- the orange all tested negative and were cleared for takeoff to indy - where they practiced yesterday and will again tonight.
As they settle into their temporary digs in the march madnes bubble - jim boeheim spoke today about his confidence in his team heading into friday's contest.
Jim boeheim: i think we're playing well, i think we've got a number of offensive weapons.
We've got a lot of guys that can hurt you, we don't rely on one guy...improved defensively...i think we're ready to play in this tournament and that we are capable of playing well.
The orange take on the in the first round on friday night at 9:40 p-m.
The game will be on c-b-s utica.
The colgate raiders also find themselves in an underdog role for their third appearance in the n- c-a-a tournament.
The team from hamilton is the 14 seed taking on the arkansas as the three seed in the south region.
The raiders have been given a 30 percent chance to upset the razorbacks according to e-s-p- n's basketball power index.
In 2019 - colgate - as the 15-seed nearly upset the two-seed tennessee in the first round.
The experience gained from game in march madness has helped the upperclassmen on this team to be better prepared this time around.
Matt langel: the guys have an understanding and confidence and connectedness that when they play together, they're capable of playing with anybody that there is...i think it will be critical to finding the rhythm of friday afternoon's game and getting adjusted as quickly as possible.
Colgate takes on arkansas at 12:45 p-m on friday.
That will be on tru tv.
So here we go - the stage is set and the orange and raiders are getting ready for what they hope will be a very special day of basketball here in central new york.
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The Raiders and Orange aren't necessarily expected to win their first round matchups at the Big Dance, but both teams seem..