Posted on 3/17/2008 7:40:12 PM

NCAA Invitational Basketball Betting Robert Morris at Syracuse

By Charles Jay

BetUS NCAA basketball betting odds: Syracuse -15

The Colonials of Robert Morris (26-7 SU, 1-1 ATS), the regular season champions of the Northeast Conference, have a daunting task ahead of them on Tuesday night when they travel to the carrier Dome to face the Syracuse Orange (19-13 SU, 14-16 ATS) in a first-round game in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) set for an 8 PM ET tipoff.

In the BetUS NCAA college basketball betting odds, Syracuse is listed as a 15-point favorite.

Here are some of the NCAA college basketball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

* RM has won 14 of its last 15 games SU

* RM has won its last ten road games SU

* SYR has covered two of its last six games

* SYR has lost four of its last six games SU

* SYR has won 10 of its last 13 home games SU

* SYR has covered five of its last eight home games

* SYR has played five of its last eight games OVER the total

* SYR has played its last three home games OVER the total

Robert Morris has its 14-game winning streak stopped cold by Mount St. Mary's after going into the Northeast Conference tournament as the solid favorite to win the title. The Colonials have wins over Navy, Fordham and Boston College to their credit, and blew a 23-point second half lead to eventually lose in overtime against Seton Hall at the Philly Hoop Group Classic early in the season.

Robert Morris shoots a lot of threes, and makes it difficult to concentrate on stopping one key scorer because there is beautiful balance between guards Jeremy Chappell (14.9 ppg) and Tony Lee (13.7) and forward A.J. Jackson (14.0). This team relies on an aggressive defense to create offense; its 9.9 steals per game is tied for the most of the nation.

Syracuse has had a disappointing season, in that it did not make it to the NCAA's after being on the tournament "bubble." Jim Boeheim's club came up way short against Villanova in the Big East tourney after posting shooting performances of 59%, 51% and 58% in its previous three games (one of which was a win over Marquette). But the Orange is nothing if not explosive - its 83 ppg at home this season ranks 18th in the nation.

But the 2-3 zone Syracuse employs forces Robert Morris to hit outside shots, which is exactly what it wants. With almost 16 turnovers per game, the Orange will allow the Colonials some transition opportunities, and there is always that problem of the letdown associated with a perennial NCAA participant having to settle for an NIT berth.

We're going to grab the points with Robert Morris, the 15-point underdog in the BetUS March Madness betting odds, and maybe even look for the possible upset.

JAY'S PLAY: ROBERT MORRIS

Go to the BetUS.com online sportsbook today to bet on NCAA basketball. We have the most current NCAA basketball odds and lines, as well as player and game props. Join BetUS.com to experience the best in online sports betting action!

(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com gives it the old college try as a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)