SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — The California Golden Bears look to rebound from their worst offensive showing of the season when they visit the Syracuse Orange in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Carrier Dome. California (17-7) enters having lost two of its last three, including a 77-55 home defeat to Clemson on Saturday where it shot just 32.8% from the field. The Golden Bears had averaged 78.8 points in their previous four games. Syracuse (12-11) has lost five of its last six, most recently falling 72-59 at Virginia on Saturday. The Orange have struggled defensively during the skid, allowing an average of 82.2 points per game. The game features a compelling backcourt duel between two of the ACC’s top guards. California is led by Justin Pippen, who has scored in double figures in 12 straight games. The sophomore is averaging 17.1 points and 4.9 assists over his last seven contests, including a 19-point effort in the loss to Clemson. Syracuse counters with Naithan George, a dynamic playmaker coming off a 19-point game at Virginia. George has been inconsistent but explosive, dishing 13 assists in a win over Florida State on Jan. 13 and 10 assists against Notre Dame on Jan. 31. California will aim to exploit its superior record and resume, which includes ACC wins over North Carolina and Duke. Syracuse, seeking to stabilize its season, will rely on its home-court advantage where it is 9-4 this season. Following this game, California visits Boston College on Saturday. Syracuse hosts SMU on Saturday before a tough road test at Duke on Monday.