--Final spread check: Syracuse by 8.5.
--For those saying Syracuse might overlook the game because they have nothing to play for, keep in mind that Syracuse is looking to become the first team in Big East history to finish the regular season with just one conference loss. The Orange are also looking to complete a perfect season at the Carrier Dome.
--It will also be the last home game for seniors Kris Joseph and Scoop Jardine.
"They've been winners,'' Boeheim said. "They're the first group that's won two undisputed league championships. They've just had tremendous careers. They've been great players and great leaders.'"
And a big reason why the second-ranked Orange (29-1, 16-1 Big East) have clinched the Big East title and been ranked in the top five nationally all season. Jardine and Joseph will play their final home game in the Carrier Dome on Saturday against No. 19 Louisville (22-8, 10-7).
"Just winning the game is the main thing, really,'' said Joseph, who's been on the floor for 114 wins in his Syracuse career, the most in school history. "It's definitely hard to believe (it's over). I just want to go out winning my last home game, get a win for the team.''
Ditto for Jardine.
"We just talked about it. I'm right behind him,'' Jardine said. "I think I'll be No. 2. That's special. That's something that you'll never forget.''
...
"It's going to be emotional, five years coming to this point,'' Jardine said. "The most important thing about me and my senior day - that's to win against Louisville. We've got a chance to beat them two times in the season. To beat them twice in a season would be something special.''
--Rick Pitino plans on shaking up the starting lineup, but we're not going to know what those changes entail until 4 p.m.
--Syracuse allowed 18 second-chance points the first time they played Louisville, a deficiency they can't afford to repeat.
--Three keys for Syracuse from an anonymous assistant coach familiar with U of L:
1. "This figures to be a defensive battle. Louisville plays great defense and so does Syracuse. Getting good shots will be difficult, but Syracuse leads the league in field-goal percentage."
2. "Louisville's a good rebounding team, especially on the offensive end. Syracuse has struggled in that area, but I think its focused more on it. Louisville will need some second-chance points."
3. "This game could get hectic. Louisville and Syracuse lead the conference in steals. You can't let either team get a lot of easy points off steals."
--Orange:44 says Syracuse wins by 9.
--Chris Smith says the only way to make up for his Senior Night being ruined is to ruin Syracuse's.
--USA Today preview.