The Syracuse Orange (14-18) travel to face off against the SMU Mustangs (22-9) on Wednesday, March 12th. This game will be played at Spectrum Center in Charlotte and televised on ESPNU. Syracuse is coming off a win in their previous game, while SMU is looking to get back on track from a loss to the Florida State. Tip-off is set for 9:30 ET.

Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs

The Orange Are Coming Off A Win

Syracuse Orange Recent Game/Games

Syracuse improved to 14-18 on the season with a 66-62 win over Florida State on Tuesday. The Orange, who entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs, not only picked up the win but also covered the spread.

Syracuse led 30-26 at halftime and matched Florida State’s 36 points in the second half. The game’s total points of 128 fell well under the O/U line of 149.5.

The Mustangs Are Coming Off A Win

SMU Mustangs Recent Game/Games

SMU fell to 22-9 on the season after a 76-69 road loss to Florida State on Saturday, March 8th. The Mustangs, who were -3 favorites going into the game, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

SMU trailed 33-32 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, where they were outscored 43-37. The total points for the game were 145, which was under the O/U line of 153.5.

Orange Offense Breakdown

Syracuse managed just 66 points in their latest game, hitting 44.1% of their shots from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.8%, largely due to a dismal 14.3% performance from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 14 three-point attempts. They also struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 54.5% of their 22 attempts.

J.J. Starling led the way with 27 points and 5 rebounds, shooting 52.2% from the floor. Jamir Watkins added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Eddie Lampkin Jr. was nearly perfect, hitting 6 of 7 shots for 14 points and grabbing 9 boards. Syracuse finished with just 6 assists as a team, and pulled down 13 offensive rebounds.

Mustangs Offense Breakdown

In their latest game, the Mustangs put up 69 points, shooting 41.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 47.3%. They hit 29.2% from three-point range, connecting on 7 of 24 attempts, while shooting 51.6% on two-pointers. At the free-throw line, they were efficient, making 16 of 20 for an 80% success rate.

Malique Ewin led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 76.9% from the field. Jamir Watkins contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Boopie Miller added 16 points, hitting 63.6% of his shots.

Orange Team Defense

Despite Syracuse’s strong defensive effort, they couldn’t hold their opponent under 62 points, allowing them to shoot 40% from the field. The Orange gave up 19 two-point baskets on 42 attempts, a 45% success rate for the other team.

From beyond the arc, Syracuse limited their opponent to just 10 three-point attempts, with only 2 finding the mark for a 20% shooting performance. Syracuse also sent them to the free-throw line 27 times, where they converted 18, shooting 66%.

Mustangs Team Defense

Syracuse’s defense held their opponent to 62 points on 40% shooting from the field. They allowed 19 two-point field goals on 42 attempts, a 45% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Syracuse limited their opponent to just 2 made threes on 10 attempts, a 20% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 27 times, where they converted 18, shooting 66%.

Orange vs Mustangs Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Orange offense has averaged 75 points per game while allowing an average of 79. Syracuse posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 6-4 ATS.
• Across their ten previous home games, SMU has an ATS mark of 6-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 7-3 while averaging 80 points per game.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Orange have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 2-1.
• Although the Mustangs have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 2-3.

Orange vs Mustangs Prediction

When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Mustangs vs. Mustangs game, our recommendation is to take the Mustangs at -8.5. Despite our model showing the Mustangs winning 76-70, we like Orange as our point-spread pick.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 152.5, and our model projects the Orange and Mustangs to reach a combined total of 146 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.