Syracuse vs Houston Preview and Betting Pick: The Syracuse Orange are set to take on the Houston Cougars on Saturday night for a Sweet 16 matchup in the Midwest Region. The winner of this game will advance to the Elite 8 to take on either Loyola Chicago or Oregon State.
Syracuse comes into this game with a ton of momentum, and this program also has a history of playing well in the NCAA Tournament. The Orange are a number 11 seed in the Midwest Region, but they have looked like a title contender through two games.
Houston is the number two seed in the Midwest, and they have spent nearly the entire season ranked in the Top 10. The Cougars blew out Cleveland State in the opener but then needed a late rally to get past Rutgers in the Second Round.
The Houston Cougars are six-point favorites over the Syracuse Orange in this matchup.
Syracuse vs Houston Preview and Betting Pick: 2-3 Zone Giving Teams Fits
The Syracuse Orange are always a team that lives on the NCAA Tournament bubble, but then they are tough to beat once the tournament begins. Having Jim Boeheim as their head coach helps, but so does the 2-3 zone that gives teams so many problems.
Syracuse is facing a Houston team that can really score, but they have size and length in that zone to give the Cougars some problem. The Orange will try to push the tempo against Houston, and that’s not the way that the number two seed wants to play.
On offense, Syracuse has been lighting it up all tournament long, and they will continue to shoot a ton of three-point shots in this game. If the Orange are shooting the ball well, then there are few teams that can beat them.
Buddy Boeheim leads the way for this offense, and he is capable of scoring 30 points in any game. Syracuse is playing with a ton of confidence and swagger, and that makes them very dangerous.
Syracuse vs Houston Preview and Betting Pick: Cougars Playing With Toughness
The Houston Cougars have been blowing teams out all season long, but that just doesn’t happen in the NCAA Tournament. Houston survived an upset bid from Rutgers last weekend, and they showed how much grit and toughness they possess.
Houston is holding teams to less than 58 points per game, and that defense could play a huge role in this game. The Cougars are going to have to defend the three-point line, and finding a way to control Buddy Boeheim will be a key.
Quentin Grimes is one of the best players in the country, and he will need to have a big day for the Cougars on offense. Houston does not have a ton of depth, but their top 5-6 guys are more talented than Syracuse.
Syracuse vs Houston Preview and Betting Pick: Syracuse Pulls Off Another Stunner
Houston has had a terrific season, but they weren’t tested enough in the American Athletic Conference. The Cougars nearly suffered a loss in the Second Round, and they appear like a team that can be upset.
Syracuse is always tough to beat in the NCAA Tournament as that 2-3 zone defense gives teams a lot of trouble. This Orange team has the explosive offense to go with the defense, and they should light it up again on Saturday night.
The biggest upsets of the NCAA Tournament usually occur in the First and Second Rounds, but there is still time for more to happen. Syracuse has been on a remarkable roll, and they will find a way to get the job done on Saturday.
Bet the Syracuse Orange money line in this Sweet 16 matchup as the Orange win against and march on to the Elite 8.
Final Score:
Syracuse 74
Houston 67
Make sure the stay around for more betting previews and predictions over at Betting Midwest!
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