In this article we will formulate a SMU vs Syracuse prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, March 10th at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs are 19-12 (8-10) this season after they lost to FSU by a score of 91-78 in their last game. SMU trailed 45-27 at halftime, but they did score 51 points in the second half in the loss. The Mustangs shot 42% from the field, 39% on three pointers, and 59% on free throws in the game. Boopie Miller led SMU with 32 points and four assists, while Samet Yigitoglu added 15 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, SMU lost to Miami by a score of 77-69 and Stanford by a score of 95-75. The Mustangs have scored 85.0 points per game with 37.6 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 78.4 points against per game this season. Boopie Miller is averaging 19.4 points and 6.6 assists per game, while Jaron Pierre Jr is averaging 17.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Mustangs. SMU is shooting 49.3% from the field, 74.2% on free throws, and 37.8% on three pointers this season.
Syracuse Orange Betting Preview
The Syracuse Orange are 15-16 (6-12) this year after they lost to Pittsburgh in overtime by a score of 71-69 in their last game. Syracuse led 31-28 at halftime, but they allowed 37 points in the second half and six points in overtime for the close loss. The Orange shot 39% from the field, 29% on three pointers, and 94% on free throws in the game. Naithan George led Syracuse with 26 points and six rebounds, while Donnie Freeman added 18 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, Syracuse lost to Louisville by a score of 77-62 and Wake Forest by a score of 88-83. The Orange have scored 75.2 points per game with 34.2 rebounds and 12.7 assists per game, while they have allowed 73.9 points against per game this season. Donnie Freeman is averaging 17.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while JJ Starling is averaging 11.2 points and 2.4 assists per game for the Orange. Syracuse is shooting 46.6% from the field, 64.9% on free throws, and 33.2% on three pointers this season.
Why the SMU Mustangs will win
- Syracuse has lost nine of its last 10 games after coming off overtime.
- SMU has won five of its last six games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Syracuse has lost the first half in four of its last five games played at neutral venues.
Why the Syracuse Orange will win
- SMU has lost each of its last four games.
- Syracuse has won the first half in each of its last five Conference Tournament day games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Syracuse’s last nine games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
- Each of SMU’s last seven Conference Tournament games have produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- SMU ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goal attempts per game this season (29.0).
- SMU ranks 359th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point field goals made per game this season (10.0).
- Syracuse ranks 3rd among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.0).
- Syracuse ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (64.9%).
SMU vs Syracuse Prediction
SMU comes into this matchup on a four game losing streak and they have really struggled to play defense this year. The Mustangs are shooting 49% from the field, but they have allowed 77+ in three of their last four. Syracuse has lost five in a row and they have scored fewer than 70 points in four of their last five. I am going to back SMU here, as the Syracuse offense has been bad, but their defense is a concern. Take the Mustangs here.