The Syracuse Orange has shaken off a slow start in conference play to get back into the conversation for the NCAA Tournament, but needs to compile some impressive wins down the stretch. A road win over the Miami Hurricanes would fit that bill as the two teams prepare to face off this week.
Miami is in good shape to make March Madness and will be aiming to improve its standing with another quality victory. The Hurricanes have the superior record as well as the home court advantage so there is no question they will be the favorites for this one.
However, Syracuse has a talented team and an upset is not out of the realm of possibility. A win for the Orange would be a big statement to the NCAA Tournament selection committee.
At 12 p.m. ET, tune into CBS for live television coverage of this NCAA basketball game on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at the Watsco Center.
We'll have NCAA basketball odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the college basketball Saturday schedule.
Odds Analysis
Syracuse is 17-8 straight up and 10-13 against the spread. The Orange has covered in three of six attempts on the road this season. Syracuse has covered in two of six attempts as the underdog this season.
Miami is 18-6 straight up and 10-12 against the spread. The Hurricanes have only covered in two of their six tries at home this season and hope to buck that trend in this one. Miami is 7-9 against the spread as the favorite on the year.
Player to Watch
Tyus Battle – Syracuse’s sophomore guard is the go-to guy for the Orange on offense. He is averaging 20.3 points per game for the Orange this year and combined for 59 points in back-to-back wins over Louisville and Wake Forest last week.
His performance against Wake Forest, where he finished with 34 points, was among one of his most impressive showings of the season, both in terms of production and poise. Battle recorded a career-high 37 points against Florida State on January 13th.
He is shooting 42.9 percent from the field this season and 82.2 percent from the line. Battle gets assistance from Frank Howard and Oshae Brissett out on the floor, who have combined for another 29.2 points per game.
Key Stat
12-3. That’s Miami’s record at home this season. The Hurricanes have performed well at Watsco Center this season and will look to make the most of their home court advantage in this one.
Included in those 12 wins at home this season is Miami’s 80-74 over No. 24 Florida State on January 7th. The only teams to beat the Hurricanes on their home court this year are New México State, No. 5 Duke and No. 1 Virginia.
Conversely, Syracuse comes into this matchup with a road record of 3- 3 which includes losses to Florida State and Virginia. In their most recent game on the the road on February 5th, the Orange captured a 78-73 victory over Louisville.
Free NCAA Men’s Basketball ATS Picks
This is a big game for Syracuse and it should be able to hang around throughout. However, Miami has the superior personnel this season and the home court advantage will be a big help. Go with the Hurricanes to win this game, although Syracuse makes sense as the team to cover as long as it gets a few points on the spread.
Look for a low scoring total as both teams don’t mind playing at a slower pace. Miami could use this win after a mini-slump recently and it should be able to hold on with some clutch shots and free throws down the stretch.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds: Miami 72, Syracuse 67
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