Posted on
2/18/2008 6:11:52 PM
College Basketball Free Picks - Syracuse vs. Louisville
By Tim Furious
Syracuse Orange (17-9) vs. Louisville Cardinals (20-6)
Monday, February 18th --- Freedom Hall, Louisville --- 7:00pm EST
NCAAB Betting Line: Louisville -9.5 (141)
The boys from Syracuse needed a big win against Georgetown, and they got it in the form of a 77-70 upset over the top-seeded Hoyas. Inadvertently, the Cardinals benefited the most from the victory because it allowed them to move in to a first place tie with Georgetown in the Big East. Can Syracuse keep the upsets rolling and send the red birds spiraling down from atop their mighty perch?
Louisville is 5-0 ATS and SU in their last five games, with the total going in the UNDER in 6 of their last 7 home games. They average 72.6 points per game, but it’s their marvelous team defense that has the league buzzing. They allow only 60.4 points against, and control the clock with masterful possession plays.
But Syracuse is becoming somewhat of an upstart. They are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games. However, they haven’t been the best road team going just 3-7 SU in their past 10 games on the road. But Jim Boeheim has his team rolling right now behind Donte Green’s 17.9 points per game average. He’s also chipping in 1.9 blocks per game as well.
But the real key for the Orange is Paul Harris, who is averaging 22.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over the last four games. The 6-foot-5 swingman is dangerous from anywhere on the floor, and is a tenacious defender that can shut down the perimeter shooting threat of Louisville. Jonny Flynn is also contributing with a solid 19.3 points per game and 6.0 assists. Not bad for a freshman.
Louisville is a solid team with a steady offensive production that can sometimes cripple opposing teams. But the Orange are riding a mighty wind right now that is sure to send the Cardinals in to a tailspin. Louisville succeeds when they are able to disrupt the shooting rhythm of the other team. But with so many big scoring threats for the Orange, the Cardinals will find themselves on the receiving end of another upset.
NCAAB Odds Free Pick: Syracuse +9.5 (UNDER)
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