A defensive struggle should be expected when the No. 25 Syracuse Orange (12-5, 3-1 ACC) and the Pittsburgh Panthers (12-5, 2-2 ACC) go head-to-head at Carrier Dome. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Syracuse Orange Free Prediction
In the Panthers’ last contest, they defeated the No. 11 Florida State Seminoles, 75-62. Pittsburgh was effective at getting and making free throws. The Panthers made 38 of their 46 free throws (82.6 percent), while the Seminoles were 20-27 (74.1 percent). With 30 points on 5-for-12 shooting, Trey McGowens was the game’s high scorer.
The Orange were victorious over the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils in their last matchup, 95-91. Syracuse made 11 of their 25 three pointers (44.0 percent), while Duke was 9-43 (20.9 percent). Tyus Battle was Syracuse’s high scorer with 32 points on 12-for-28 shooting from the field.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this contest between two of the country’s top defenses. Syracuse ranks 32nd in defensive efficiency (93.2) and Pittsburgh is 17th (91.7).
After the Orange won both games against the Panthers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Syracuse won 60-55. The Orange made 19 of their 26 free throws (73.1 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.380 vs. 0.346).
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Syracuse Orange ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Syracuse ranks 76th in rebounds per game (37.7) while Pittsburgh ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
The Orange rank 104th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while the Panthers rank 231st (19.4).
Syracuse ranks 36th in blocks per game (4.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 159th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
The Orange average 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 37th in the country. The Panthers rank 120th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Pittsburgh ranks 142nd in assists per game (13.1) while Syracuse ranks 173rd in assists allowed per game (14.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers have been outscored by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Pittsburgh has defeated opponents by an average of 10.7 points.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (2.0 above their season average).
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