The Syracuse Orange (19-10, 10-6 ACC) close out their home schedule at Carrier Dome against the second-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (26-2, 14-2 ACC). Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, March 4, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.
Virginia Cavaliers at Syracuse Orange ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Orange defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 79-54, while the Cavaliers beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 73-49.
Virginia dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.390 (above their season average of 0.223) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.695 (above their season average of 0.551). For those same stats, Pittsburgh put up marks of 0.205 and 0.455, respectively. The Orange, meanwhile, forced 23 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.492). Syracuse’s Elijah Hughes led the way, recording 18 points and seven rebounds. Kyle Guy, meanwhile fueled Virginia with 17 points.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last contest, Virginia won 59-44. Virginia’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Syracuse. The Cavaliers had a rate of 0.564 while the Orange posted a mark of 0.373. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the nation’s top defenses clash. Syracuse ranks 46th in defensive efficiency (96.6) and Virginia is third (88.9). Moreover, the Cavaliers commit the 13th-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 15.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Orange causes the 14th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.6 percent).
Virginia vs. Syracuse Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while Syracuse ranks 234th (37.0).
- The Cavaliers rank 108th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4) while the Orange rank 275th (26.4).
- Syracuse ranks 13th in blocks per game (4.9) while Virginia ranks 78th (3.8).
- The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.9) while the Orange rank 223rd (14.7).
- Syracuse ranks 20th in steals per game (8.2) while Virginia ranks 190th (5.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, down from 17.7 for the season.
