Despite a barrage of losses lately, the Syracuse Orange still managed to get the selection committee’s attention, as they are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. And what a coincidence for the Orange to face the Dayton Flyers—again. Dayton upset Syracuse in the second round of the 2014 tournament and will face a seething Orange, who definitely have an axe to grind against the Flyers.
For more March Madness previews, you can check out our breakdown of Utah vs. Fresno State.
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March Madness No. 7 Dayton vs No. 10 Syracuse Preview
Where: United Center, Chicago
When: Friday, March 18, 7:27 PM ET
Line: Dayton Flyers (-1) vs. Syracuse Orange (+1); total: 129.0 – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Dayton Flyers
The Flyers, who lost in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 conference, are a defense-oriented team, one that ranks 39th in the nation with only 65.8 points allowed per game. Their interior defense projects to be trouble for Syracuse, as Dayton averages 4.4 blocks per game. Moreover, Miller’s squad has shown it can lock down opponents’ perimeter game, as evidenced by Dayton opponents shooting just 32.4 percent on two-point jumpers and 34.9% on threes.
Dayton’s offense meanwhile, is mostly reliant on the pair of Charles Cooke (15.7 PPG) and Dyshawn Pierre (13.0 PPG). Scoochie Smith, however, is the catalyst of many of Dayton’s offensive sets. Smith is chipping in 11 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per contest. Overall, Dayton is scoring 73.2 points per game on a respectable 46.0 FG%.
Dayton is 6-4 SU and 1-8-1 ATS in its last 10 games.
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Betting on the Syracuse Orange
Lots of people question Syracuse’s inclusion in the tournament largely because of its awful 1-5 stretch in its last six games. The Orange can shut some of those critics up with a win in Chicago against Dayton.
The Orange went winless in their past three games. Their defense wasn’t up to snuff during that rut, as they gave up an average of 75.0 points during that span. Syracuse, however, can do better than that, as it is 36th in Division I with only 65.7 points allowed per game. In addition, it’s also 16th overall with 8.1 steals per game.
Syracuse has been scoring well amid its defensive struggles. The Orange averaged 72.2 points over their last four games. They even shot 47.2% from the field in a 72-71 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Seniors Michael Gbinije (17.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.0 SPG) and Trevor Cooney (12.8 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.6 SPG) will be counted upon to deliver the goods on both ends of the floor. They’ve been in the tournament before and aren’t new to the pressure the national tournament brings.
Syracuse is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five games when its underdog by two points or fewer.
Writer’s Prediction
Dayton (-1) wins, 70-67.
