The Virginia Tech Hokies (11-2) travel to Syracuse to take on the Orange (11-2) in a matchup that pits great offense against superb defense. The game will air on ESPNU at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Syracuse is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 142 points.
Virginia Tech Hokies at Syracuse Orange ATS Prediction
In the Hokies’ last game, they beat the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 76-59. The Hokies made 12 of their 15 free throws (80.0 percent) and held the Aggies to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.4 (below their season average of 28.1). With 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting, Ahmed Hill led Virginia Tech in scoring.
The Orange were victorious over the Eastern Michigan Eagles in their last matchup, 62-47. The Orange made 20 of their 26 free throws (76.9 percent) and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 33.6). With 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, Syracuse’s Paschal Chukwu put together a solid outing.
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the nation’s top defenses face off. Syracuse currently ranks 39th in defensive efficiency (93.0) and Virginia Tech is 51st (94.8). This contest should be a matchup of contrasting paces. The up-tempo Hokies rank 47th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Orange rank 321st.
Virginia Tech holds records of 11-2 straight up (SU) and 7-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hokies’ 8 games that accepted bets, six have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Syracuse is 11-2 SU and 5-6 ATS. Contrary to Virginia Tech, Orange games tend to go under the total (63.6 percent).
Oshae Brissett has averaged 20.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Syracuse.
After the Hokies won the lone contest against the Orange last season, 83-73, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Hokies knocked down 19 of their 27 free throws (70.4 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (8.0 vs. 13.2).
Virginia Tech Hokies at Syracuse Orange ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia Tech is 2-2 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 1 under.
At home, Syracuse is 3-5 ATS with 6 unders and 2 overs.
Virginia Tech ranks 10th in assists per game (18.8) while Syracuse ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (15.8).
The Orange rank 16th in steals per game (8.9) while the Hokies rank 166th (5.4).
Syracuse ranks 10th in blocks per game (6.4) while Virginia Tech ranks 99th (3.5).
The Orange rank 12th in rebounds per game (42.1) while the Hokies rank 100th (37.5).
Virginia Tech ranks 155th in three pointers attempted per game (21.5) while Syracuse ranks 236th (18.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Virginia Tech is 1-1 ATS with 1 over.
Syracuse is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, down from 21.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
