Defense meets more defense, when the No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers (21-1, 10-0 ACC) head to Syracuse to take on the Orange (15-7, 4-5 ACC). The game is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Syracuse Orange Free Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last matchup, they topped the Louisville Cardinals, 74-64. The Cavaliers had a turnover percentage of 10.8 (better than their season average of 13.2), while the Cardinals had a free throw rate of 0.120 (below their season average of 0.234). With 22 points on 10-for-21 shooting, Kyle Guy was the top scorer from either team.
The Orange fell to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in their last matchup, 55-51. Georgia Tech’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Syracuse. The Yellow Jackets had a rate of 11.6 (better than their season average of 17.0), while the Orange posted a mark of 20.3 (above their season average of 16.4). With 19 points on 4-for-17 shooting, Tyus Battle was Syracuse’s high scorer.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between a pair of the nation’s top defenses. Syracuse currently ranks 24th in defensive efficiency (94.9) and Virginia is second (85.7).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Orange lost 68-61. Paschal Chukwu had nine points and 16 rebounds. The Cavaliers made 19 of their 22 free throws (86.4 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 14.5).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Syracuse Orange Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Syracuse ranks 25th in rebounds per game (39.6) while Virginia ranks 249th (32.5).
The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.4) while the Orange rank 222nd (15.5).
Virginia ranks 46th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while Syracuse ranks 235th (24.8).
The Cavaliers rank third in steals allowed per game (4.1) while the Orange rank 108th (6.2).
Syracuse ranks seventh in blocks per game (6.0) while Virginia ranks 61st (4.1).
Betting Trends:
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, down from 16.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
