Villanova Wildcats vs Syracuse Orange – Saturday College Hoops Gambling
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Time – 9:00 P.M., Saturday February 27th
Wildcats vs. Orange Odds
Villanova +5.5 (-110)
Syracuse -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under Currently OFF
With a record crowd of close to 35,000 expected at the Carrier Dome for this classic Big East match-up, #8 Villanova goes on the road to take on #4 Syracuse in a game that should decide not only the 2010 conference title, but a possible #1 seed in the NCAA tournament as well.
The Wildcats come into this game with an overall record of 23-4 and are 12-3 in the Big East. While they have been dominant all season long, there seems to be a few cracks in the foundation after going 1-2 in their last three games. They lost 75-84 to Connecticut at home and to Pittsburgh on the road 65-70 before pounding out a 74-49 win over South Florida in their last game. To beat the Orange they will rely heavily on the ability of their leading scorer; Senior G Scottie Reynolds and Junior G Corey Fisher to each come up with a huge game. Reynolds is averaging 19 points per game and Fisher is averaging 13.8. Another big piece of puzzle is Junior F Antonio Pena who is averaging 11 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. If Villanova is going to have any chance of winning this game it will take a total team effort as Reynolds will not be able to do it alone.
With an overall record of 26-2 and a conference record of 13-2, the Orange has been rock solid all season long. Since losing to Pitt 82-72 to open the New Year, they have won 13 of 14 with the only blemish being an ugly 60-66 loss to Louisville two weeks ago. In a wild 75-71 win over Georgetown a little over a week ago, Senior G Andy Rautins scored a season high 26 points as the Orange led from start to finish. In their last game, a 99-85 win at Providence Junior F Rick Jackson scored a career high 28 points in the one sided victory. 
Junior F Wesley Johnson is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 15.8 and well as their leading rebounder with 8.7 per game. Another key player for the Orange is sophomore F Kris Joseph who is averaging 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds rounding out one of the most solid lineups in the nation.
Villanova has found ways to get it done all season long against the better teams in the conference, but they will need a monumental effort to come away with a win against the best team in the Big East. This is a chance for Syracuse to make a strong argument for receiving one of the four #1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament and I do not see them blowing the opportunity.
Betting Trends:
N/A
Villanova vs. Syracuse Free Pick:
Syracuse -5.5
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2 replies on “Villanova vs. Syracuse Free Pick + Preview (Feb. 27)”
Last game for Villanova: 74-49 victory over South Florida (ATS win -13)
Last Game for Syracuse: 99-85 victory art Providence (ATS win -8)
Last Meeting: Villanova 89 – Syracuse 86 (ATS win Villanova +2)
Line: Syracuse -5
Given the sorry state of UNC this could be the last great regular season game of the season as these two teams battle for Big East supremacy and eventual number one seeds. Villanova is only .500 in its last 6 and a win here would put them firmly back in that conversation while Syracuse, with only two losses on the season could probably lose on Saturday and still make a strong case for a #1 seed. Villanova has won the last three matchups covering each time.
To be fair to the Wildcats two of their three losses in their recent .500 stretch have been to ranked teams on the road. But something just seems a little out of synch with this club. They seem to want to challenge themselves by digging a hole just to see if they can get out of it rather than jumping on top of opponents from the get go like they were earlier in the season. If this game is close Villanova can rely on Scottie Reynolds, maybe the best closer in the NCAA right now. He has been starting slow in games lately but is usually money when the game is on the line. Syracuse will be a stiff test and it would be great if they could get Taylor King going. He has underperformed thus far but his outside shooting could be critical against that matchup zone.
The Orange just keep rolling along. This team leads the NCAA is FG% at an amazing 52% and get great balanced production from its top 7 players. They have good size and athleticism and Andy Rautins appears to be heating up which makes this team even more dangerous as it opens up their inside players and enables them to go on big runs when he is on the mark. Their only achilles heel seems to be free throw shooting. In both their losses they only made 65% or lower and against forwards Rick Jackson and Arinze Onuaku you can employ a ‘hack a Shaq” strategy, especially late in the game. Most teams are well out of the game at this point but Villanova has the talent and depth to consider this strategy. It should be a great game.
Score Prediction:
Syracuse – 77
Villanova – 75
Pick: I love this one to be a thriller down to the last shot and a precursor to the Big East Championship game. Unless the spread continues to rise approaching game time. This one is a sit back and enjoy not a money maker.
Thanks for the additional insight into this game. I’m looking forward to sitting back and watching what could be an “instant classic”.