The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-3, 2-0 ACC) head to Syracuse to take on the Orange (12-3, 1-1 ACC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against tremendous defense. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 3:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Syracuse Orange ATS Prediction
In the Fighting Irish’s last matchup, they blew out the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 88-58. The Fighting Irish made 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.616 (above their season average of 0.558). Notre Dame was led by Temple Gibbs, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Orange fell to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last game, 73-67. Wake Forest out-rebounded Syracuse. The Demon Deacons had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. six), defensive rebounds (26 vs. 23) and total rebounds (38 vs. 29). With 16 points and seven rebounds, Syracuse’s Oshae Brissett put together a good performance.
Points could be at a premium in this meeting between two of the nation’s best defenses. Syracuse currently ranks 38th in defensive efficiency (93.8) and Notre Dame is 57th (95.8).
After the Fighting Irish won the lone contest against the Orange last season, 84-66, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Fighting Irish had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.3 vs. 19.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.585 vs. 0.473).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Syracuse Orange Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Notre Dame, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Notre Dame averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 95th in the NCAA. Syracuse ranks 215th in assists allowed per game (15.9).
The Orange rank 18th in rebounds per game (41.0) while the Fighting Irish rank 135th (36.3).
Notre Dame ranks 193rd in three pointers attempted per game (20.4) while Syracuse ranks 246th (18.1).
The Orange average 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. The Fighting Irish rank 56th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Notre Dame ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Syracuse ranks 67th (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Irish’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, down from 16.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 67.0 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.0 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
