The No. 10 Virginia Tech Hokies (15-3, 4-2 ACC) welcome the Syracuse Orange (14-5, 5-1 ACC) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Syracuse Orange at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Prediction
In the Orange’s last matchup, they blew out the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, 73-53. The Orange had a superb turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 15.6), while the Hurricanes had a free throw rate of 0.085 (below their season average of 0.253). With 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Elijah Hughes was the top scorer from either team.
The Hokies lost big to the No. 11 North Carolina Tar Heels in their last game, 103-82. North Carolina’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Virginia Tech. The Tar Heels posted a mark of 14.9 (stronger than their season average of 15.7), while the Hokies had a rate of 19.0 (above their season average of 15.0). Virginia Tech’s Kerry Blackshear Jr. finished with 19 points, 17 rebounds and five assists in the contest.
After the Orange won the sole contest against the Hokies last season, 68-56, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Orange knocked down 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 21.1).
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Virginia Tech currently ranks third in offensive efficiency and Syracuse ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency.
Syracuse Orange vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia Tech ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.5) while Syracuse ranks 211th (37.0).
The Hokies average 24.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 85th in the nation. The Orange rank 263rd in three pointers allowed per game (27.3).
Virginia Tech averages 16.9 assists per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Syracuse ranks 168th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
The Orange rank 16th in blocks per game (5.2) while the Hokies rank 151st (2.5).
Virginia Tech ranks 11th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Syracuse ranks 87th (6.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Orange’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, down from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (7.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (12.1 above their season average).
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