UNC Greensboro vs. Syracuse Pick
Feeling slighted, will top-seeded Syracuse take its frustration out on No. 8 UNC Greensboro in tonight’s NIT Tournament opener at 7PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Syracuse is heavily favored at home, as the Orange are getting odds of -12.5 points against UNC Greensboro. The over/under total for the game is listed at 149.5 points. These two meet tonight from the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
NCAA BB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Syracuse got the top seed in the NIT after going 18-14 on the season and just missing out on the NCAA Tournament. The Orange were 16-3 at home this season and are 13-14 against the spread on the season while going 11-3 ATS at home. The Orange average 75.8 points per game on offense while allowing 70.4 on defense. At home, Cuse puts up 80.5 points per game while holding opponents to 65.2 points per contest. Andrew White III is leading the team with 18 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while Tyler Lydon is adding 13.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.
UNC Greensboro went 25-9 this season to earn one of the final spots in the NIT Tournament. The Spartans were 8-4 on the road and put up a 12-12-1 record against the spread. Greensboro averaged 72.8 points per game on offense this season while allowing 69.8 on defense. Away from home, the offensive average actually boosted up to 75.1 points per game, but the defensive average moves up to 75.6. Francis Alonso is leading the team with 15.2 points per game while R.J. White contributes 12.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Syracuse can take this game one of two ways. Their disappointment of not making the NCAA Tournament can make them come out flat and unmotivated, or they can come up with a chip on their shoulder. With this game being at home, I think the Orange will play up to their ability, which should lead to a cover. They were a very tough team at home and their defense should be able to lock up the Spartans.
NIT TOURNAMENT PREDICTION: SYRACUSE -12.5