Offense meets defense when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-4, 0-1 ACC) welcome the No. 25 Syracuse Orange (9-4) to Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ACC Network.
Syracuse Orange vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Free Prediction
In the Orange’s last outing, they blew out the Eastern Washington Eagles, 66-34. The Orange had a much better free throw rate (0.242 vs. 0.034) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 23.3). Syracuse received a boost from Oshae Brissett, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
The Fighting Irish beat the UIC Flames in their last matchup, 84-67. Notre Dame was successful at getting and making free throws. The Fighting Irish made 36 of their 38 free throws (94.7 percent), while the Flames were just 13-20 (65.0 percent). Nate Laszewski was Notre Dame’s top scorer with 12 points on 3-for-7 shooting from the field.
After the Fighting Irish won the lone contest against the Orange last season, 51-49, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Fighting Irish knocked down 12 of their 16 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.5 vs. 27.6).
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Notre Dame ranks 54th in offensive efficiency and Syracuse is 38th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Orange, who rank 15th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.315), will clash against the Fighting Irish, who rank eighth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.146).
Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Notre Dame averages 26.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. Syracuse ranks 234th in three pointers allowed per game (26.7).
The Orange rank 18th in steals per game (8.8) while the Fighting Irish rank 140th (5.8).
Notre Dame ranks 49th in rebounds per game (39.2) while Syracuse ranks 155th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
The Fighting Irish rank 98th in assists per game (14.4) while the Orange rank 160th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
Notre Dame ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.9) while Syracuse ranks 45th (4.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Orange’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 10.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (2.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (5.7 below their season average).
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