The Syracuse Orange (19-12, 8-10 ACC) meet the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-19, 4-14 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 133 points with Syracuse set as a 4-point favorite.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Syracuse Orange Free Prediction
The last time the Demon Deacons played, they were topped by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 64-56. Georgia Tech’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Wake Forest. The Yellow Jackets had a rate of 0.316 (above their season average of 0.248), while the Demon Deacons posted a mark of 0.175 (below their season average of 0.239). Wake Forest’s Doral Moore put together a solid game, recording 12 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.
The Orange edged the No. 18 Clemson Tigers in their last game, 55-52. The Orange had a turnover percentage of 10.2 (better than their season average of 16.4) and had a free throw rate of 0.321 (above their season average of 0.295). Oshae Brissett led Syracuse in scoring with 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting.
The physical Syracuse offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this meeting. The Orange currently rank 23rd in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.296, while Wake Forest ranks 296th in FTA rate allowed (0.279).
Wake Forest comes into the game with records of 11-19 straight up (SU) and 9-19 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Demon Deacons are involved, as 16 of their 28 games have gone under the total.
Syracuse is 19-12 SU, but they have a hard time covering the spread (12-16-1 ATS). Orange games also have typically gone under the projected point total (55.2 percent).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Orange won the most recent matchup 78-70, covering as 8-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 148 points, which was 14.5 points above the projected point total of 133.5 points. The Orange had a much better free throw rate (0.520 vs. 0.218) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 18.6). In the victory, Tyus Battle led all scorers with 34 points.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Syracuse Orange ATS Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Wake Forest ranks 134th in assists per game (13.9) while Syracuse ranks 264th (11.1).
The Orange average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks eighth in the nation. The Demon Deacons rank 132nd in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Syracuse ranks 49th in steals per game (7.3) while Wake Forest ranks 160th (5.8).
The Demon Deacons rank 195th in three pointers attempted per game (20.5) while the Orange rank 270th (18.1).
Syracuse averages 37.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the NCAA. Wake Forest ranks 132nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wake Forest is 1-4 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Syracuse is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Demon Deacons have outscored opponents by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Wake Forest has lost by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 61.0 points per game (6.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
