NCAA Basketball Matchup: Syracuse vs Providence
Syracuse had lots of negative publicity early in the year, but the team hasn’t let it hurt their play on the court at all.
NCAA Basketball Matchup: Syracuse Orange vs. Providence Friars
9:00 PM EST
College Basketball Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
NCAA Basketball Betting Favorite: Syracuse -13.5
Over/Under: 139.5
The Orange are unbeaten and number one in the nation. The competition will get much tougher as Syracuse gets into the heart of Big East play. Providence will host Syracuse on Wednesday night. The Friars are 11-4, but they have lost their last two. Can Providence make this a game or will Syracuse roll in this one?
How has Syracuse gotten to this point in the season without a loss? The team has picked up the defensive pressure in a big way this year. Syracuse is forcing turnovers and creating transition opportunities much more than they did last season. The Orange have a very athletic team, and they can make it very difficult on the opponent with their matchup zone. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
On the offensive end, Syracuse has seven guys averaging at least seven points per game. The depth of this Syracuse team helps them stay fresh. Brandon Joseph is the team’s most versatile offensive threat. Syracuse is putting up 80.7 points per game this year.
Providence has a new coach this year in Ed Cooley. Cooley has been successful in the past, but it will likely take him some time to turn Providence around in such a difficult conference. Providence does have plenty of offensive firepower. The Friars have four players averaging at least 13 points per game this season. LaDontae Henton is the team’s best frontcourt player, and he will be counted on to do some damage in this one. Bryce Cotton is hitting 40% from beyond the arc and 91% from the free throw line. The Friars are much improved on the defensive end this year, but they still need to improve their defensive rebounding.
The pace here should be pretty quick. I think the over is the best value.
Prediction: Syracuse 78 Providence 68
