Can Texas Exploit Syracuse’s Defense? Over/Under Prediction

Texas Longhorns (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Syracuse Orange (3-0 SU, 0-3 ATS)

When: Thursday, November 21st, 7:00 PM (ET)

Where: Barclays Center, NY, Brooklyn

TV: ESPN2

Point Spread: TX -10.5/SYRA +10.5

Total: 154.5

Money Line: Texas Longhorns -502/+375

Notable Injuries

Longhorns

• Tramon Mark (Questionable) Ankle

Orange

Recent Form

Texas Longhorns Recent Game/Games

The Longhorns cruised to an 89-43 win over Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, November 16th. Texas, who were -43 favorites, covered the spread, while the combined points of 132 fell just under the O/U line of 141.

Texas led 33-23 at halftime but turned up the heat in the 2nd half, scoring 56 points and holding the Delta Devils to just 20.

Syracuse Orange Recent Game/Games

Syracuse improved to 2-0 with a 104-95 win over Youngstown State on Saturday, November 16th. The Orange were -12.5 point favorites at home but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points of 199 easily surpassed the O/U line of 151.5.

After trailing 38-31 at halftime, Syracuse turned things around in the 2nd half, outscoring Youngstown State 42-35 to secure the win.

Analysis

Texas put up 89 points in their last game, shooting 64.4% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 71.1%. They dominated inside, hitting 77.4% of their two-point attempts while going 5-for-14 from beyond the arc (35.7%).

At the free-throw line, the Longhorns connected on 26 of 36 attempts (72.2%). Arthur Kaluma and Tre Johnson each scored 18 points, with Johnson hitting 3 of 5 from three-point range. Kaluma and Kadin Shedrick both grabbed seven rebounds.

Texas struggled defensively, giving up 43 points while allowing their opponent to shoot 64% from the field. Inside the arc, the Longhorns allowed 24 of 31 shots to fall, a 77% conversion rate.

From three-point range, Texas gave up 5 of 14 shooting, or 35%. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 36 times, where they hit 26 free throws, a 72% rate. Texas allowed seven offensive rebounds.

Syracuse put up 104 points in their latest game, shooting 50.7% from the field. They were dominant inside, hitting 62.7% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 22 threes (22.7%).

J.J. Starling led the way with 38 points and seven rebounds, shooting 60.9% overall. Eddie Lampkin Jr. was a force inside, scoring 20 points on 8 of 10 shooting and grabbing 13 rebounds while also dishing out seven assists.

Syracuse gave up 95 points, with their opponents shooting 50% from the field. They struggled to defend inside, allowing 62% shooting on two-pointers.

From beyond the arc, Syracuse held their opponents to 22% shooting, with just five made threes. However, they sent them to the line 38 times, where they hit 25 free throws.

Rich Crew’s Total Pick

Syracuse’s elite pace (No. 3 FGA) combined with poor defense (No. 308 PPG allowed) creates perfect conditions for the Over. Texas’s efficient scoring (No. 13 FG%) and second-half prowess (50.0 PPG) should exploit Syracuse’s defensive weaknesses. Take the Over 154.5