TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2009
#5 Syracuse Orangemen (12-0) vs. Seton Hall (9-2)
The No. 5 Syracuse Orange will travel to the Prudential Center on Tuesday to face off against the Seton Hall Pirates in Newark, NJ.
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Seton Hall has played Syracuse 54 times since 1980. Syracuse has won 41 times. Seton Hall has won 13 times. The last meeting saw then No. 6 Syracuse defeat No.11 Seton Hall 89-74 in the second round of the Big East tournament on Mar 11, 2009.
Seton Hall’s Jeremy Hazell put up a career-high 41 points and seven rebounds but it would not be enough as the Pirates fell to No. 6 West Virginia, 90-84 in OT in their Big East opener last week. Herb Pope contributed 11 points and 11 boards for the Pirates, who have dropped two of three after winning their first eight games of the season. The Pirates played well in the paint and on fast-break points while playing solid defense, but shot a miserable16 of 33 at the free throw line, which was the difference in the loss.
Freshman Brandon Triche scored a season-high 27 points in a 92-60 win over Oakland, Michigan on Tuesday night. Triche was a perfect 6- for-6 from beyond the arc. Wes Johnson also contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds in the win. Johnson, an Iowa State transfer, has had an instant impact on the Orange. He is leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He’s been arguably the best player in the Big East non-conference play. Syracuse leads the country in assists, averaging 22.5 per game heading into the start of Big East play. Five different players average two or more assists per game. The Orange’s 12-game win streak to start the season marked the programs best in a decade. Unselfish play has been the key to early season success.
Odds makers have Syracuse as –5-point favorites.
Seton Hall can beat the average teams on its schedule, but seem to struggle with the ranked ones. The Pirates only two losses have come against Temple and West Virginia, both of whom are in the Top 25. However, they led Temple at the half and forced WVU to beat them in extra time, so Syracuse could fall victim to an upset if they are not mindful.
However, I expect Syracuse to edge out the Pirates, 81-76.
Syracuse Orangemen Basketball Betting Trends:
- Syracuse is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- Syracuse is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
- Syracuse is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
- The total has gone OVER in 6 of Syracuse’s last 7 games on the road
Seton Hall Basketball Betting Trends:
- Seton Hall is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
- Seton Hall is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
- Seton Hall is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Syracuse
- Seton Hall is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Syracuse
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