Villanova Syracuse Betting – Week Of Major Big East Battles Concludes In Syracuse
The Villanova Wildcats and the Syracuse Orange played huge conference games earlier this week. Saturday afternoon, they’ll finish off a consequential seven-day stretch.
NCAA basketball betting: Villanova Wildcats @ Syracuse Orange
Online Betting Odds:
Why To Bet On Villanova
In various Super Bowl betting conversations, people are wondering what would make the biggest heavyweight matchup now that the New England Patriots are gone from the NFL playoffs. In the Big East Conference, hoop scholars are wondering if Villanova and Syracuse make the best matchup in this 16-team league. There’s reason to believe that Villanova and head coach Jay Wright could very well walk into the Carrier Dome in upstate New York and knock off the Cuse. Last year, Syracuse rolled to a double-digit win in a night game, but this contest will start at 12:05 p.m. local time and therefore take a little starch out of the crowd.
Moreover, Syracuse does not have the dynamic wings and shooters it possessed last season, when the Orange rolled to the Big East regular-season championship. Wesley Johnson was a jump-out-of-the-building forward who ran the break with lethal effectiveness. Guard Andy Rautins was a devastating long-distance shooter who could loosen up defenses. It’s likely that Syracuse won’t be nearly as prosperous this season against Villanova as it was last year in the dome. The Wildcats’ guards will test Syracuse’s 2-3 zone defense, a staple under coach Jim Boeheim. Villanova could attack Syracuse’s strongest points and still get point production at the offensive end of the floor. That’s a big reason to think Villanova can win this game.
Why To Bet On Syracuse
The sports betting laws of probability will lean with Syracuse at home to begin with, but another reason why the Orange have a very good shot on Saturday afternoon is that they have more power near the rim than the Wildcats do. Rick Jackson has been an awkward post man in the past for Syracuse; his moves and footwork on the low block haven’t been as polished as Boeheim and the SU coaching staff hoped. This year, Jackson has become a team leader and a much more agile big man in the pivot. Syracuse has always been an excellent team when Jackson is on his game, and the Orange’s fabulous start to this season shows as much. Unless one of Villanova’s big men can match Jackson in the painted area, Syracuse is likely to establish the upper hand. The outer layers of Syracuse’s zone can take more chances in making rotations on the perimeter because the other four Syracuse players on the floor know that Jackson will clean up any messes near the rim and on the glass. Jackson is a reliable player, and Jackson is the heartbeat of the Orange. At home, Jackson is more likely to thrive. Advantage, Syracuse.
How The Game Will Play Out
The big question is if Villanova’s guards can shoot the three with consistency and bust the Syracuse zone. If the Wildcats knock down shots and loosen up SU’s defense, the Orange’s advantage in the paint with Jackson will be wiped away. The verdict here is that Villanova won’t stick enough long balls to win. Take Syracuse at home.
Villanova Syracuse Betting Pick: Syracuse
