The Syracuse Orange (5-0) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they go head-to-head against the Maryland Terrapins (6-1) at Carrier Dome. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 135 points with Syracuse opening as a 2-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 27, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Syracuse Orange Free Preview
The Terrapins defeated the New Mexico Lobos in their last contest, 80-65. With eight points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Maryland’s Kevin Huerter had a good outing. Maryland played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.522 (above their season average of 0.346) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.609 (above their season average of 0.577). New Mexico put up marks of 0.222 and 0.405, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Orange’s last game, they topped the Toledo Rockets, 72-64. Syracuse received a boost from Oshae Brissett, who put up 17 points and 14 rebounds. Syracuse dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.0 (below their season average of 42.7) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.460 (below their season average of 0.504). For those same stats, Toledo recorded marks of 15.0 and 0.444, respectively.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Syracuse ranks 281st in possessions per game (67.7) and Maryland is 274th (67.8) since last season. Also, the Terrapins have been among the nation’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 34th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.293). The Orange, however, rank 32nd in opponents FTA rate (0.196).
Both of these teams tend to finish under the projected point total. Games involving Maryland have finished under 100.0 percent of the time, while Syracuse games have gone under 100.0 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Orange have a significant advantage. They are 5-0 SU and 2-2 ATS, while the Terrapins are 6-1 SU and 2-2-1 ATS.
Maryland Terrapins at Syracuse Orange Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Maryland, ATS Winner – Maryland, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Orange average 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks 17th in the nation. The Terrapins rank 125th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- Maryland ranks 131st in rebounds per game (36.5) while Syracuse ranks 181st in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- Maryland ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Syracuse ranks 302nd (16.7).
- The Terrapins rank 67th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while the Orange rank 309th (25.4).
- Syracuse ranks 15th in steals per game (8.2) while Maryland ranks 237th (5.3).
