Big East Betting Battle - #3 Syracuse vs. #22 Georgetown
by Tim Furious
Syracuse’s monumental climb to the top of the standings was short lived as they ended their blistering season with a blundering loss to Louisville. Dropping two spots in the AP Top-25 was certainly justifiable, but the Syracuse Orange can’t afford anymore excuses. The regular season title may be theirs, but earning top honors in the Big East Tournament will be the only way they solidify their national championship hopes.
After a rousing effort against the NCAAB betting line, the loss to Louisville dropped the Orange to 4-1 SU/ATS in their past five games. Against the Hoyas they’ve been fantastic, going 7-3 SU in the past 10 meetings and beating the spread in six of the last eight games.
In terms of the Big East, no team was as efficient as Syracuse throughout the regular season. Their 15-3 SU record is the best amongst their Big East rivals, with three schools behind them at 13-5 SU (Pittsburgh, Villanova, West Virginia).
As we gun towards March Madness, there are perhaps two teams in the nation that are supposedly built for tournament play. One of those teams is certainly Kansas, and the depth on Syracuse’s roster should make them betting favorites for the tournament. However, what I don’t like about their team is their youth. With just two seniors on the team, Syracuse’s only problem will be weathering the storm and finding the leadership they need to succeed in tournament play.
Thursday, March 11th --- Madison Square Garden --- 12:00pm EST
: Syracuse -6 (139)
Georgetown has risen to just 3-4 ATS in their past 7 games after trouncing South Florida, and covering a 7-point line in dominating fashion. The victory served as revenge for their earlier loss to the Bulls this season. With the win the Hoyas are now just 3-2 SU in their last five games.
A fall from grace was somewhat expected from Georgetown this year, especially with a serious drop in talent after graduation and NBA draftees left the touted program. And as a bet they’ve been miserable. When you compare their ATS record to that of Syracuse, this game should be a wash. Georgetown went just 14-12 ATS this season, and on the road they’re 6-5 ATS.
This game is played in a neutral location and the point spread inflated by 1.5-points almost immediately after opening. Syracuse’s defense will be on full display as they put Georgetown on their backs, padding their 10-2 ATS record on the road and their 18-8 ATS record this season.
This matchup is big because of the two teams involved, but don’t be fooled by the pedigree held by Georgetown. Syracuse was the best team in the country just last week, and tonight they will prove why the trip up against Louisville was just a blip on their schedule.
