Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Pittsburgh Panthers (13-6, 4-4 ACC) travel to Syracuse to play the Orange (12-7, 5-3 ACC). Action gets underway at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020, and can be seen on ACC Network.
Pittsburgh Panthers at Syracuse Orange Betting Odds
Both teams edged out their last opponent. The Orange defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 84-82, while the Panthers beat the Boston College Eagles 74-72.
Pittsburgh dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 37.9 (above their season average of 33.3) and a turnover percentage of 17.3 (worse than their season average of 16.1). For those same stats, Boston College was 28.6 and 20.6, respectively. Meanwhile, Syracuse’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Notre Dame. The Orange had a rate of 0.212 (matching their season average), while the Fighting Irish posted a mark of 0.103 (below their season average of 0.176). Syracuse was led by Elijah Hughes, who contributed 26 points and seven rebounds. Justin Champagnie led the way for Pittsburgh, contributing 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Orange dominated this series last year, winning all three games. In the last matchup, Syracuse won 73-59. Syracuse’s 0.547 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Pittsburgh, who had a rate of 0.418. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Syracuse currently ranks 299th in possessions per game (66.9) and Pittsburgh is 339th (65.3). Also, the Panthers could control the offensive glass in this matchup as they rank 49th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.5 percent. The Orange, meanwhile, rank 301st in defensive rebounding percentage (68.6 percent).
Pittsburgh Panthers at Syracuse Orange Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Syracuse ranks 43rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 259th (17.9).
- The Panthers rank 33rd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Orange rank 78th (6.1).
- Syracuse averages 36.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 137th in the nation. Pittsburgh ranks 168th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
- The Orange rank 29th in assists per game (15.9) while the Panthers rank 175th (12.4).
- Syracuse ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 107th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Orange’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 7.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 67.8 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (3.9 above their season average).
