The Syracuse Orange (6-0) square off against the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks (6-0) at AmericanAirlines Arena. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and will air on ESPN.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Syracuse Orange ATS Prediction
In the Jayhawks’ last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the Toledo Rockets, 96-58. The Jayhawks held the Rockets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 3.2 (below their season average of 25.8). The Rockets also had a turnover percentage of 27.2 (above their season average of 12.6). Kansas rallied around Devonte’ Graham, who was the top scorer from either team with 35 points on 14-for-19 shooting.
The Orange won a close one over the Maryland Terrapins in their last outing, 72-70. Syracuse’s 15.3 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Maryland, who had a mark of 23.1. The Orange’s mark was worse than their season average of 13.8, while the Terrapins’ was above the 16.9 mark opponents have averaged against Syracuse this season. With 15 points, 10 assists and seven steals, Syracuse’s Franklin Howard played well.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Syracuse takes on the top-notch defense of Kansas. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Orange rank 48th in offensive efficiency, while the Jayhawks are 60th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Jayhawks could control the offensive glass in this showdown as they rank 49th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.7 percent. The Orange, meanwhile, rank 323rd at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 66.9 percent.
Kansas Jayhawks vs. Syracuse Orange Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Kansas, ATS Winner – Kansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Kansas averages 16.8 assists per game, which ranks 15th in the nation. Syracuse ranks 310th in assists allowed per game (16.8).
The Jayhawks average 22.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. The Orange rank 308th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
Syracuse averages 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. Kansas ranks 201st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
The Orange rank 21st in blocks per game (5.1) while the Jayhawks rank 180th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Kansas averages 39.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. Syracuse ranks 176th in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
