Syracuse has been getting media coverage for all the wrong reasons lately. Assistant coach Bernie Fine was fired Sunday, and the investigation continues into the alleged sexual crimes. <\/p>\n
7:00 PM EST<\/strong> On the court, the Orange have been terrific so far this year.<\/p>\n Syracuse is 6-0 and ranked third in the nation.<\/p>\n Eastern Michigan is 4-2, but they were blown out of the water on Sunday by Michigan State. What should you expect in tonight\u2019s matchup?<\/p>\n Eastern Michigan lost Brandon Bowdry from last year\u2019s squad, and that was a major loss.<\/p>\n Bowdry was the team\u2019s heart and soul. The Eagles offense is searching for a leader this year, but they have struggled mightily thus far.<\/p>\n Eastern Michigan ranks 323rd<\/sup> out of 345 teams in points per game at 57.8.<\/p>\n The defense is only giving up 58.8 points per game, but that is largely due to the fact that Eastern Michigan slows the tempo down quite a bit. Can the Eagles hold down a much improved Syracuse offense? [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Syracuse struggled in half-court offensive sets last year. It seems the team has made a bit of an adjustment this year.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s team is getting out in transition much more often than they have in the past. Syracuse has plenty of athleticism all over the floor, so I believe the change to a faster pace is a positive for this group.<\/p>\n Syracuse is scoring 83 points per game so far this year. The team has five players averaging 9 points or more per contest. Kris Joseph gives the team a versatile forward who is a matchup problem for just about anyone. Dion Waiters has stepped up and become an offensive force in the backcourt.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t like laying big numbers too often, but this is a massive mismatch. Look for Syracuse to thump Eastern Michigan and cover the spread.<\/p>\n
\nCollege Basketball Gambling Odds from BetOnline<\/strong>
\nNCAA Basketball Betting Favorite: Syracuse -28.5<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 129<\/strong><\/p>\n