The first meeting this season between No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers and the Syracuse Orange was like a defensive clinic, as both teams are known for their abilities to lock down opponents than for putting the rock through the hoop. That said, this rematch at Carrier Dome should be one of the most entertaining matches to watch this Saturday. Register to bet and wager with your pick.
Betting Preview for the Virginia Cavaliers vs Syracuse Orange NCAA Basketball Game on February 3, 2018
Where: Carrier Dome
When: Saturday, February 3 4:00 PM EST
Line: Virginia Cavaliers (n/a) vs Syracuse Orange (n/a)–view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ACC Network
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers (20-1)
The Virginia Cavaliers’ defense is nearly impenetrable this season. Scoring against the Cavs almost requires opponents to bleed for their points, as Virginia is allowing only 52.1 points per game. Opponents are shooting a pathetic 37.0 percent against them this season. Even Duke and its supposedly unstoppable offense was no match for the Cavaliers’ defense in a 65-63 win in Durham on Jan. 24. With that kind of defense, Virginia does not need an explosive offense to win games. The Cavs’ top scorer is Kyle Guy, who makes 15.2 points per game, while Devon Hall is chipping in 12.7 points for a Virginia team that is scoring just 69.0 points per game but has an average scoring margin of +16.8. Guy scored 22 points in the first meeting with Syracuse this season, which was a 68-61 win at home for the Cavs on Jan. 9. Hall contributed 13 markets in that game in which Syracuse also shot just 38.3 percent from the field.
Virginia is 4-2 SU in its last six games versus Syracuse.
Betting on the Syracuse Orange (15-6)
The Orange have a chance to avenge their earlier loss to Virginia this Saturday at home, where they are 4-1 SU in their last five games there. They have also covered the spread three times in those games, which includes their 81-63 win as seven-point favorites over the Boston College Eagles on Jan. 24. Similar to Virginia, Syracuse’s identity this season is its defense that surrenders only 63.2 points per game to opponents. In fact, Virginia shot just 37.7 percent against them in the first meeting. Syracuse could have won that game had its bench done better. The Orange’s relievers went scoreless, while their Cavaliers counterparts produced 18 points. Junior guard Frank Howard led the Orange against Virginia with 18 points, while Tyus Battle had 12. Battle paces Syracuse with 19.7 points per game.
Writer’s Prediction:
Virginia wins a close one over the Orange, 66-63.
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