Duke Blue Devils vs Syracuse Orange NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 2/5/25
Planning on watching today’s Blue Devils and Orange game? Catch the action at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, NY, as the Orange hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN2. Duke come into this Atlantic Coast conference matchup as the -18.5 favorite. The over/under line currently sits at 143 points.
DUKE BLUE DEVILS VS SYRACUSE ORANGE BETTING PICK
The Pick: Syracuse Orange +18.5
This game will be played at JMA Wireless Dome at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, February 5th.
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 +18.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 143 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Can the Blue Devils Pull Off a Road Win?
Duke improved to 19-2 on the season with an 87-70 win over North Carolina on Saturday. The Blue Devils, who were -13.5 point favorites, covered the spread in the victory. The game’s total points reached 157, surpassing the over/under line of 148.5.
Duke jumped out to a 47-25 lead by halftime, but they allowed 45 points in the second half while scoring 40. Despite the defensive lapse, they held on for the win.
Duke’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 87 points on 52.8% shooting from the field. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their threes (10/20) and finishing with an effective field goal percentage of 62.3%. At the free-throw line, they connected on 84%, going 21/25.
Kon Knueppel led the way with 22 points, shooting 63.6% overall and adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Cooper Flagg contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, hitting 3 of 5 from deep. Tyrese Proctor chipped in 17 points, while Duke dished out 20 assists as a team.
Despite Duke’s defensive efforts, they allowed 70 points on 52% shooting from the field. The Blue Devils gave up 28 made field goals on 53 attempts.
Duke’s defense struggled to contain the three-point line, where they allowed 10 threes on 20 attempts for 50%. They also sent the opposing team to the line 25 times, where they converted 21 free throws at an 84% rate.
Are Syracuse Ready for a Home Win?
Syracuse improved to 10-12 on the season with a 75-66 road win over Cal on Saturday. Entering the game as +5.5 point underdogs, the Orange not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
After building a 40-23 lead at halftime, Syracuse allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 35. The combined points of 141 fell short of the 149.5 O/U line.
Syracuse’s offense put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 46.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.7%. They connected on 50% of their threes, hitting 8 of 16 attempts, and were strong at the free-throw line, making 17 of 20 for 85%.
Lucas Taylor was efficient, shooting 62.5% overall and hitting 3 of 5 from deep, finishing with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Jeremiah Wilkinson and Jovan Blacksher Jr. each added 20 points, though Wilkinson struggled from three, hitting just 2 of 13.
Even with Syracuse sending them to the line 30 times, the Orange defense held firm, allowing just 66 points. Syracuse limited their opponent to 28% shooting from the field, with only 18 made baskets on 63 attempts.
From beyond the arc, Syracuse’s defense was particularly effective, as they held their opponent to 6/35 shooting, just 17% from three-point range.