Pittsburgh Panthers vs Syracuse Orange NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/25/25
Planning on watching today’s Panthers and Orange game? Catch the action at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY, as the Orange hosts this showdown at 12:30 ET on ESPN2. In this Atlantic Coast matchup, Pittsburgh is favored bt -6.5 vs. Syracuse. The over/under for the game is 151.5 points.
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS VS SYRACUSE ORANGE BETTING PICK
The Pick: Syracuse Orange +6.5
This game will be played at JMA Wireless Dome at 12:30 ET on Saturday, January 25th.
WHY BET THE SYRACUSE ORANGE:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Orange.
- Not only will Syracuse pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +6.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 151.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.
Do the Panthers Have What it Takes to Win as Road Favorites?
Pittsburgh Panthers Recent Game/Games
The Panthers fell to 12-6 on the season after a 78-75 home loss to Clemson on Saturday. Pittsburgh, who were -3.5 favorites, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 153, surpassing the O/U line of 142.5.
After trailing 40-30 at halftime, Pittsburgh tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 26 points while scoring 36. Despite the improved effort after the break, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
Pittsburgh put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 45.2% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range, hitting 11 of 34 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 54.8%, and they connected on 80% of their free throws, going 8 for 10.
Chase Hunter led the way with 20 points, hitting 5 of 9 threes, while Ishmael Leggett added 18 points, shooting 57.1% from deep. Ian Schieffelin grabbed 11 rebounds and contributed 15 points. The Panthers had 17 assists and 14 offensive rebounds, with Cameron Corhen going a perfect 7 for 7 from the field.
Even with Pittsburgh allowing 78 points, their defense couldn’t slow down the opposition, who shot 45% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 60% of their two-point attempts, going 17/28.
From beyond the arc, the Panthers gave up 11 threes on 34 attempts, with the other team shooting 32% from deep. Pittsburgh also sent them to the line 10 times, where they made 8 free throws, shooting 80%. The Panthers allowed 14 offensive rebounds.
Can the Orange Pull the Upset at Home?
Syracuse Orange Recent Game/Games
Syracuse dropped to 9-10 on the season after an 86-72 loss to Clemson on Wednesday. Entering the game as +16 point underdogs, the Orange managed to cover the spread.
After trailing 48-29 at halftime, Syracuse put up a fight in the second half, scoring 43 points while holding Clemson to 38. The total points for the game reached 158, surpassing the 139.5 O/U line.
Syracuse’s offense put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 53.8% from the field and 52.4% from beyond the arc, hitting 11 of 21 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.4%, and they connected on 83.3% of their free throws, going 5 for 6 from the line.
J.J. Starling led the way with 25 points, shooting 62.5% overall and 50% from three, hitting 5 of 10 attempts. Chase Hunter added 23 points, shooting 57.1% from deep, while Viktor Lakhin contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, making 2 of 4 threes.
Syracuse’s defense struggled in their last game, allowing 86 points on 56% shooting from the field. The Orange gave up 62% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 22 of their 35 shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Syracuse’s opponents connected on 9 of 20 attempts, shooting 45%. The Orange also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 15 free throws at a 71% rate. Syracuse allowed 8 offensive rebounds.