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On Friday, March 19th, the Vermont Catamounts will look to make history and upset the tournament. Again.

Clearly the #16 seed Catamounts are happy to be in the tournament, but are they happy to be facing #1 seed Syracuse Orange?

At first glance, on paper, the Orange vs. the Catamounts game is of no particular interest except as an example of uninspired matchmaking. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

These teams have history, with the Catamounts upsetting the Orange in their last trip to the tournament in 2005. While Syracuse would no doubt be happy to avenge that loss, Vermont would love to see lightning strike twice. The Catamounts sport a record of 25-9 overall and finished second in the American East with a conference record of 12-4. The Orange, meanwhile, won 15 of their last 16, before getting bounced out of the Big East Tournament in their first game against Georgetown.

Syracuse's serious zone defense will prove the key to whether or not the Catamounts can pull the upset once more - if they can stay tight from the perimeter, they can make this game a real nail-biter. Sportsbook odds makers show the Orange as a favorite, but many pundits are espousing the value of Vermont. Because UVM will be dealing with the Orange's notorious zone defense, coach Mike Lonergan will look to the men on his backcourt to hit 'em when they count. Vermont will keep it competitive, but look for Syracuse to pull away in the second half and get some post-season revenge.

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