This is the perfect matchup to cap off an exciting Friday night as the Syracuse Orange (16-9) take on the San Diego State Aztecs (23-4). Syracuse was able to squeak their way into the tournament as an eleven seed and will have their hands full with arguably the best six seed in the field. The Aztecs have been a dominant team all year and will look to torment the 2-3 zone in order to move on. Will Buddy Boeheim be able to channel his inner Melo and lead the Orange to victory? Let’s continue our NCAA Odds series and make a Syracuse-San Diego State prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the odds:
NCAA Odds: Syracuse-San Diego State Odds
Syracuse Orange +3 (-110)
San Diego State Aztecs -3 (-110)
Over 139 Points (-110)
Under 139 Points (-110)
Why Syracuse Could Cover The Spread
The Syracuse Orange are coming off of a second-round loss to Virginia in the ACC tournament. Their loss to Virginia snapped a three-game winning streak. The Orange have been hot of late, going 4-1 ATS in their last five games. They'll also be riding a record of 5-0 ATS in their last five in March. What do they really have going for them? Eleven seeds have been upset machines in recent history. Syracuse has had a solid season overall and is the best eleven seeded team in the field, according to their BPI of 31.
The Syracuse Orange are led by their polished head coach Jim Boeheim and his son Buddy. Buddy Boeheim has been especially impressive for the Orange this season. He averaged 17.1 points per game in 2021 and has scored 25+ in four of his team's last seven games. He was named to the All ACC tournament first team the other day and will be riding a ton of momentum into Friday night. Syracuse will need a big night from Buddy and the 2-3 zone to cover as the slight underdog.
Why San Diego State Could Cover The Spread
San Diego State is arguably the hottest team in the nation, entering the tournament on a fourteen-game winning streak. They conquered the Mountain West title and weren't tested much in the process. The Aztecs enter the tournament with the potential to make a run to the Elite Eight and beyond. Their success lies in the hands of their top-10 defense. This team will suck the life out of you and make it impossible to get into any sort of rhythm. Have you ever heard the saying, defense wins championships? If that statement is true, San Diego State should be just be crowned now and call it a day.
The Aztecs finished amongst the best in the nation in total score and field goal percentage against. They've allowed a staggering 60.6 points per game during the 2021 campaign. They also possess a clear advantage over the Orange on the boards, which could very well be the difference in a high-energy defensive showdown. If leading scorers Matt Mitchell (15.4 ppg) and Jordan Schakel (14.3 ppg) can provide enough stability on the offensive end, look for San Diego State to coast to victory. San Diego State finished the season with a record of 20-2 SU as the favorites, which is what they are Friday night.
Final Syracuse-San Diego State Prediction & Pick
Line movement has indicated that the public is siding with San Diego State to come away with the cover. I too believe that the Aztecs will cover and cash in for bettors. They are the hottest team in the nation, possess arguably the best defense in the tournament, and clearly have what it takes to make a run. They thrive as the favorites and have been waiting for this moment all season long. I do like Buddy and the Orange, but Buddy isn't Melo and this Orange team doesn't have enough depth to compensate for the smothering that he will receive. Syracuse is 2-7 SU as an underdog in 2021 and will be thanking their fans for a great season on Friday night.
FINAL PICK: San Diego State -3 (-110)
Follow Us
Subscribe