The Syracuse Orange (15-6, 6-2 ACC) head to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers (12-9, 2-6 ACC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Syracuse Orange vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Prediction
In the Orange’s last contest, they topped the Boston College Eagles, 77-71. The Orange had a better turnover percentage (17.0 vs. 20.3) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.663 (above their season average of 0.494). With 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting, Tyus Battle was the game’s high scorer.
The Panthers fell to the Clemson Tigers in their last outing, 82-69. Clemson’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Pittsburgh. The Tigers had a rate of 0.340 (above their season average of 0.259), while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.245 (below their season average of 0.319). Xavier Johnson had a good performance for Pittsburgh, leading both teams in scoring with 30 points on 10-for-14 shooting.
This meeting figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the country’s premier defenses face off. Pittsburgh ranks 43rd in defensive efficiency (95.2) and Syracuse is 46th (95.3).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Jared Wilson-Frame put up 19 points and eight rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Panthers lost 74-63. The Orange had a better free throw rate (0.222 vs. 0.123) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.574 vs. 0.423).
Syracuse Orange vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Syracuse averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 25th in the nation. Pittsburgh ranks 168th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Orange rank 88th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while the Panthers rank 225th (20.1).
Pittsburgh averages 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 75th in the country. Syracuse ranks 197th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Orange rank 39th in steals per game (7.9) while the Panthers rank 151st in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Orange’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (9.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
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