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Will lose when ... The Orange are limited offensively. If they don't bring their "A" game on defense every night, it'll be tough going. Famous Last Words Syracuse played well down the stretch, but you have to wonder when some of the rubber bands holding it together will start to snap. Complete team report Before filling in your bracket, check out Insider's Tournament Guide. Insider Tour | Sign up now

TO THIS POINT    
How They Got Here: At-Large Bid
The Orangemen obviously like Denver. Syracuse advanced to the 1996 Final Four from the Mile High City, and now they sit very much in defense of last year's NCAA championship as a favorite to reach the Phoenix Region final.

The No. 5 Orangemen were incredibly resilient in their narrow victories over BYU and Maryland, just as they have been all season. Now only just-happy-to-be-here Alabama stands between the 'Cuse and a likely All-Big East regional championship date with UConn.

Syracuse was pounded at Connecticut in early February, 84-56, but that was when the Orangemen were at their lowest point of the year. Even with the Huskies at their apex now, expect the possible rematch to be a much tighter game after Syracuse's victory over UConn in the regular season finale. Jim Boeheim's zone may be about the only thing that can slow down Okafor, Gordon and company.

The defending champions' season was headed the wrong direction in early February as Billy Edelin left the team amid a three-game losing skid, and the Orange entered the second half of conference play just 4-4 after back-to-back losses at Connecticut and Providence. But there would be no bubble talk, as the 'Cuse won seven of eight regular season games the rest of the way -- snapping Pittsburgh's 40-game home winning streak and dumping UConn in the finale. Only an early Big East tourney departure causes a bit of concern for the champs as they start their defense.

PLAYER TO WATCH      
Hakim Warrick | F | Junior
One of the most athletic players in the nation, Hakim Warrick can change a game with his offense or defense. His quick leaping ability and slashing moves help Syracuse's scoring leader to easy buckets and his effort on the glass leads to many second chance points.