2013 Elite Eight March Madness Syracuse vs. Marquette Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Spread) – Two teams that pulled off major upsets in the Sweet 16 will now square off in the Elite Eight as four-seeded Syracuse battles three-seeded Marquette today at 4:30PM ET.
ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, Syracuse is a 4.5-point favorite over Marquette, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 128 points. The Orange are 29-9 overall and 7-2 at neutral sites this season, while the Golden Eagles are 26-8 overall and 5-2 at neutral sites.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Orange opened as 5-point favorites but their odds have been bet down to 4.5 at most online and Vegas sports books. As for the total, it opened at 126 and has been bet up to either 127.5 or 128 depending on what sports book you view.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the wagers placed on tonight’s game, 55% of college basketball public bettors currently favor the Orange. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date public betting numbers.
MARCH MADNESS FREE PICK: Take Syracuse. According to latest college basketball trends, the Golden Eagles are 1-3-1 against the spread in their last five games following a straight up win, 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games versus a team with a winning straight up record, and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games overall. After roasting Indiana for a career-best 24 points, look for sophomore point guard Michael Carter-Williams to put together another outstanding performance today to lead 'Cuse over Marquette. The Orange have the edge in points per game, defense, rebounding and turnovers, so they just need to play their game to cash in a ticket to the Final Four.
2013 MARCH MADESS ELITE EIGHT FREE PICK: SYRACUSE ORANGE -4.5