Providence vs Syracuse Basketball Picks

Basketball Betting Game Trends

The Syracuse Orange are in a three-way tie for first place in the Big East standings. Syracuse has lost three of their last six, and they have been struggling with consistency of late. Providence is red hot right now. The Friars have won four straight, including wins over Cincinnati and Notre Dame in the past week. Syracuse won by six at Providence earlier this year. Can the Friars make a game of this one at the Carrier Dome?

Game Overview:

Providence flies under the radar in the Big East, but this Friars team is getting much better. The Friars have one of the most improved players in the nation in Bryce Cotton. Cotton leads the Big East in scoring at 20.4 points per game. He has led the team through its recent hot streak. Kadeem Batts and LaDontae Henton form a talented tandem in the frontcourt for the Friars. Batts averages 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Henton averages 13 points and 8 boards per game.

The Friars always tried to outscore opponents under previous coach Keno Davis, but the Friars are much better on the defensive end now. Providence is holding opponents to just 41.4 percent from the floor overall. Even more impressive is the fact that opponents are making only 28.1 percent of their three-point jumpers. The Friars defense has held three of their last four opponents to less than 55 points. This is a team that could be dangerous in the Big East Tournament this year.

Syracuse was one of the hottest teams in the country after their road win over Louisville a few weeks ago, but they haven’t played very well of late. The Orange have been out of sync offensively in their losses at Villanova, UConn, and Pittsburgh in the last couple weeks. Syracuse really doesn’t have many reliable outside shooters. Getting James Southerland back in the lineup recently was huge for the team, because he is a great veteran leader and a consistent outside shooter. Michael Carter-Williams makes some brilliant plays from the point guard spot, but he is shooting 37 percent from the floor. Brandon Triche is the team’s leading scorer at 15 points per game, and he is often underrated by many college basketball experts.

The Orange have struggled on the offensive end at times, but their defense has been very good all year. Their matchup zone is always tough to penetrate, and this year’s team has a lot of athleticism and length that makes them difficult to shoot over. Opponents are shooting only 37.2 percent from the floor against the Orange. Syracuse is holding opponents to just 54.2 points per game on their home floor this season.

Prediction: Providence +12.5

Both of these teams have been far more consistent on the defensive end. Providence could easily sneak up on Syracuse if they aren’t at 100 percent here. I like the underdog.

Syracuse 68 Providence 62

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