Syracuse Orange vs. Louisville Cardinals Predictions, Picks, Odds and NCAA Basketball Betting Preview – February 26, 2017

Betting on the Syracuse Orange (17-12, 9-7 ACC)

Point Spread: +10

The Syracuse Orange did their hopes of making it back to the NCAA tournament a lot of good by taking down Duke at home, 78-75. Senior guard John Gillon came up huge with 26 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Syracuse still isn’t assured of a tournament spot just yet, though, which is why the Orange need to come up with another upset against Louisville. The two teams met just a couple weeks ago, with the Cardinals outlasting the Orange 76-72 in overtime.

Andrew White III had 22 points and 8 rebounds in that game, and played all 45 minutes. White has played every minute in Syracuse’s last nine games, which includes two overtimes. But after scoring 20 or more points in the first seven, he had a conference-low 7 points against Duke, a sign that all those minutes might finally catching up with him.

The Orange need White’s offense to stand any chance of coming away with a rare road win. Syracuse has been horrendous outside the Carrier Dome, going just 2-8 straight-up and against the spread in 10 road games this season.

Betting on the Louisville Cardinals (22-6, 10-5 ACC)

Point Spread: -10

Louisville just can’t seem to solve its road woes, especially against the top teams. Of the Cardinals’ five conference losses, four have come on the road against ranked opponents – Notre Dame, Florida State, Virginia, and most recently, North Carolina. Donovan Mitchell had another great game with 21 points against the Tar Heels, but no other Cardinal had more than 9 points.

Mitchell did have a lot of help in Louisville’s 76-72 road win against Syracuse, with five Cardinals scoring in double-digits. And now, they will be back at home, where they’ve been much more consistent scorers. They’ve averaging 84 points over their last six home games.

Apart from an excellent defense that’s currently ranked No. 5 per KenPom.com, that good home offense has been a big reason why the Cards have gone 6-0 in their last six conference home games after losing to Virginia.

Home-court advantage will likely prove to be a big factor against Syracuse as well. The Louisville is 8-2 (1-8-1 against the spread) all-time in 10 home games against the Orange.

Writer’s Prediction

Louisville (-10) puts the clamps on Syracuse en route to a big 81-66 home win.

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