The 14th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (10-0) and their sensational offense visit Syracuse to play the 25th-ranked Orange (7-3) and their tremendous defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Buffalo Bulls at Syracuse Orange Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Orange dismantled the Eastern Washington Eagles 66-34, while the Bulls beat the Saint Francis U Red Flash 82-67.
Buffalo played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.479. Saint Francis U recorded marks of 21.6 and 0.409, respectively, for those same stats. The Orange, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.242 vs. 0.034) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 23.3). Oshae Brissett had a solid outing for Syracuse with 20 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Buffalo was lifted by Nick Perkins, who finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Orange won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 81-74. Syracuse did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (24-29; 82.8 percent). Buffalo, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 18.8). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the NCAA’s best defenses face off. Syracuse currently ranks 49th in defensive efficiency (94.1) and Buffalo is 30th (92.5). Additionally, the Bulls rank 19th in turnover percentage (15.7 percent), while the Orange rank 31st in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.1 percent).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Syracuse Orange Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Syracuse, ATS Winner – Buffalo, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo averages 27.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. Syracuse ranks 246th in three pointers allowed per game (27.1).
- Both of these teams are exceptional at blocking the ball. The Bulls are 12th in the nation with 5.7 blocks per game while the Orange are 57th with 4.1 blocks per game.
- Syracuse ranks 28th in steals per game (8.3) while Buffalo ranks 68th (7.2).
- The Bulls rank ninth in assists per game (18.8) while the Orange rank 194th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
- Buffalo ranks 40th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Syracuse ranks 158th in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulls\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.0, up from 17.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
