Expert prediction
ACC Tournament: Syracuse vs SMU Preview, Odds, Predictions (March 10)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Orange look to end a five-game losing streak.
- The Mustangs look to snap a four-game losing skid.
- This marks the fourth all-time matchup between the two ACC squads.
The ACC Tournament will get underway throughout the March 10 slate as the Syracuse Orange face the SMU Mustangs. The latter comes out as the slight favorite, presenting a chance for Syracuse to pull off an upset as both teams have losing streaks to end.
How to Watch
- When: Tuesday, March 10, 4:30 pm ET
- Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
- How to Watch: ACC Network
NCAA Matchup Odds & Lines
| Team | Odds | Spread | Totals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | -110 | +4.5 | O154 |
| SMU | -110 | -4.5 | U154 |
Game Preview
The Orange (15-16, 6-12 ACC) are losing games at a bad time, falling in their last five contests to end conference play. William Kyle ranks tied for fifth in blocks (80) and tied for sixth in blocked-shot average (2.58) among Division I players. He leads the ACC in both categories. The Orange rank third nationally in blocks per game (6.0). Naithan George has averaged 21.0 points per game in two March contests. Meanwhile, Donnie Freeman has posted back-to-back double-doubles and leads the Orange in scoring (17.0 ppg.) and rebounding (7.4) averages.
The Mustangs (19-12, 8-10 ACC) are also going through a rut of their own, losing their last four games to end conference play. They are near the top of the ACC in scoring offense (85.0, 2nd ACC, 20th NCAA), assists (17.1, 3rd ACC, 30th NCAA), fastbreak points (12.2, 1st ACC, 87th NCAA), field-goal percentage (49.3%, 3rd ACC, 22nd NCAA), 3-point percentage (37.8%, 2nd ACC, 23rd NCAA). SMU is averaging 17.1 assists (3rd ACC, 30th NCAA) with Boopie Miller pacing at 6.6 assists (2nd ACC, 13th NCAA) and B.J. Edwards dishing 4.9 per game (7th ACC, 68th NCAA). Samet Yigitoglu is leading the Mustangs in blocks (1.4, 9th ACC), rebounds (7.8, 7th ACC, 86th NCAA) and offensive rebounds (3.6, 1st ACC, 17th NCAA).
Syracuse vs SMU Head-to-Head
The two programs have had three meetings in their history, and the result is 2-1 for the Mustangs. The last matchup was in February this year when Syracuse won 79-78 at home.
Syracuse vs SMU Predictions
The winner of Tuesday’s tilt will advance to the next round and face sixth-seeded Louisville on Wednesday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Both squads lost steam to end conference play, placing a need for them to get back on the win column. The one who loses ends the season on a losing streak while the other gets to enjoy another round of tournament action. Our betting pick here is the Orange to cover a 4.5-point spread.
- Free NCAAB pick: Syracuse Orange +4.5
NCAAB
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