The Colgate Raiders (3-5) can snap a five-game road losing streak when they take on the Syracuse Orange (7-1) at Carrier Dome. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN Full Court.
Colgate Raiders vs. Syracuse Orange Free Preview
In the Raiders last contest, they lost a close one to the Marist Red Foxes, 78-76. With 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Will Rayman was the top scorer from either team. Marist had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 20.5). Colgate, on the other hand, forced the Red Foxes into a turnover percentage of 21.1 (above the 15.5 mark opponents have averaged against Colgate this season).
The Orange hope to maintain momentum after beating the Connecticut Huskies in their last contest, 72-63. Syracuse was led by Oshae Brissett, who contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds. Syracuse dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 42.4 (above their season average of 42.4) and a free throw rate of 0.471 (above their season average of 0.234). For those same stats, Connecticut was 23.3 and 0.340, respectively.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Syracuse ranks 291st in possessions per game (67.6) and Colgate is 296th (67.5) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Moreover, the Raiders rank 278th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.217), while the Orange rank 45th in opponents FTA rate (0.200).
The Orange won the lone contest against the Raiders last season, 83-55. The Orange played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.605 and a turnover percentage of 13.5. For those same stats, the Raiders had marks of 0.328 and 16.0, respectively.
Colgate Raiders vs. Syracuse Orange Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Syracuse, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Orange rank 140th in rebounds per game (36.4) while the Raiders rank 286th (32.3).
- Colgate ranks 166th in assists allowed per game (13.4) while Syracuse ranks 294th (16.8).
- Syracuse ranks 18th in steals per game (8.4) while Colgate ranks 239th (5.2).
- The Raiders rank 71st in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while the Orange rank 288th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
- Syracuse ranks 32nd in blocks per game (5.0) while Colgate ranks 227th (2.5).
