College Basketball Odds, Pick, Prediction: Syracuse vs. NC State (Wednesday, February 2)
Lance King/Getty Images. Pictured: Head coach Jim Boeheim of Syracuse.
- The Syracuse Orange go up against the NC State Wolfpack in Wednesday's ACC action.
- Both teams have struggled this season, specifically on the defensive side.
- Keg breaks down the game below and details why he's expecting plenty of offensive fireworks.
Syracuse vs. NC State Odds
| Syracuse Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -102 | 151.5 -110o / -110u | +104 |
| NC State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -120 | 151.5 -110o / -110u | -125 |
The Syracuse Orange hit the road Wednesday, once again in search of their first road win of 2022. Syracuse hasn't won a game away from home since it took down Florida State, 63-60, on Dec. 4 in Tallahassee.
The Orange square off against the N.C. State Wolfpack, who were on the other side of that coin not too long ago.
N.C. State had gone 0-4 at home dating back to Dec. 9 before finally taking down Virginia on Jan. 22. The Wolfpack now find themselves returning home after a two-game trip in which they suffered blowout losses to Notre Dame and North Carolina.
That said, can they bounce back in their return or will the challenges they faced in December return against Syracuse?
NC State is the only team worse than Syracuse when it comes to scoring defense, while Syracuse has the fourth-highest scoring offense in the ACC as well.
Syracuse leads the all-time series, 10-6, while also currently on a three-game winning streak. NC State is 4-2 at home against the Orange and hasn't beaten them in Raleigh since 2019. So, can they end the losing skid?
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse has had some issues on the road, but looked maybe the best they have all season in the second half of their last game against Wake Forest. The Orange held the Deacons just 30 points in the second half, en route to their 94-72 win. They will look to keep that defensive effort rolling against NC State.
On offense, Syracuse has been one of the best teams in the nation, averaging 77.3 points per game they are the 32nd-best scoring offense in the nation. The Orange post an effective field-goal percentage of 52.2%, while also ranking 58th in 3-point percentage at 36.2 percent.
If Syracuse can get hot from distance which they've done more often than not, it could be detrimental for the Wolfpack. N.C. State is one of the worst at defending the perimeter, ranked 312th in the nation and allow opposing teams to hit 36.7% from deep, while also giving up 7.5 made 3s on average.
The Orange have also done well to limit turnovers, give up the ball on just 16.2% of possessions. However, they might have their work cut out for them, specifically on the floor. The Wolfpack record a steal on 11.1% of defensive possessions, ranking 62nd in college basketball. Nothing disrupts an offense like turnovers, and its not something the Orange can afford if they want to pick up the win on the road.
Defensively, Syracuse is struggling. The Orange allow opposing teams to record 75.1 points per contest. And while N.C. State doesn't have the same talent from 3-point range, it wouldn't take much for them to outshoot Syracuse.
No team in Division 1 gives up more 3-point attempts or made 3s than Syracuse. Turnovers will be key for the Orange on defense, especially if NC State is cashing in on 3s from deep.
NC State Wolfpack
The Wolfpack offense hasn't been particularly great at shooting, but they limit turnovers, get offensive rebounds and take a lot of shots. Even if you aren't a good shooting team, you can still have success with those habits. The Wolfpack average 75.1 points per game and sit 46th in the nation when it comes to offensive boards, pulling down 10.3 per contest.
They rank 24th in field-goal attempts and 62nd in made field goals, which is one of the biggest mismatches in this game. Syracuse ranks outside the top 300 in field-goal attempts, while also being 268th in made field goals.
Defensively, it's hard to see any way the Wolfpack can stop Syracuse. They're allowing opposing teams to score 74.9 points per game. NC State has had some success on turnovers, but I don't think it will be enough to stop an orange team who is motivated after knocking off Wake Forest.
Syracuse vs. NC State Betting Pick
Neither of these defenses can stop the other's offense. They're the worst defensive sides in the ACC, which on offense both have success from 3-point range and at the free-throw line.
Not to mention, Syracuse is letting teams take more shots than anyone else in the country. I'm not confident enough in either of these teams to pick a side, but I do believe it will be shootout.
Because of that, I'm taking the over at 151.5 and would back it as high as 154.5 points.
Pick: Over 151.5 (Play to 154.5)
How would you rate this article?
BetMGM Bonus Code TOPTAN1600 Offers Up to $1.6K in Sports Bonus with Deposit Match Usable on Any Game
Canada Sportsbook NHL Betting Promos: Welcome Bonuses and Deposit Offers for Thursday NHL Playoffs, Any Games
The Sportsbook Grayevard: Tracking Every U.S. Sports Betting App That's Shut Down So Far
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code ACTION41000: Earn $1K First Bet Offer for Any Game Tonight and Beyond
Follow Us On Social
