Syracuse Orange NCAA Basketball Betting
Jim Boeheim has done it again. Syracuse has made a habit of overcoming the odds as a double-digit seed, and the Orange are in the Sweet Sixteen for the third straight time as a No. 10 seed or higher. They made it to the Final Four as a No. 10 seed in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, and they got to the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 11 seed three years ago.
It was perhaps a little too predictable that Syracuse would pull it off once more. The Orange hammered No. 6 seed San Diego State 78-62 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, and they nipped former Big East rival West Virginia 75-72 in the second round behind 25 points from Buddy Boeheim. However, Syracuse is a moderate underdog against the Houston Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen.
2020-21 Syracuse Orange At a Glance
National Championship Odds: +3750
Sweet Sixteen Matchup Odds:
Syracuse Orange +6
Houston Cougars -6
Total: 140.5
The Midwest Region is wide open. Houston is the lowest seed remaining (No. 2), but the next lowest seed is No. 8 seed Loyola Chicago. That means whoever wins this game will only be a slight underdog at worst with a spot in the Final Four on the line.
Houston has been one of the most dangerous teams in the country this season. The Cougars hammered both Boise State and Texas Tech in non-conference play, and they went 24-3 with regular season and postseason AAC titles.
Kelvin Sampson has Houston playing excellent defense. The Cougars rank first in effective field goal percentage, and they rank in the top 13 in four major defensive categories.
Opponents are making just 29.3 percent of their threes and 42.9 percent of their twos against this defense, and they also pick up a high percentage of steals and blocks.
Quentin Grimes is the leader for the Cougars. He is averaging 18.1 PPG and 6.0 RPG, and he is making 41.7 percent of his threes. Grimes hit at least 50 percent of his triples in each of Houston’s two NCAA Tournament games, and he led Houston with 22 points against Rutgers.
Dejon Jerreau is making 36.7 percent of his triples, and Justin Gorham leads the Cougars with 8.6 RPG while making 36.2 percent of his treys.
The Cougars do a great job on the glass despite being undersized with four guards. They pick up an offensive rebound on almost 40 percent of possessions, and that’s a dizzying stat.
Syracuse has long been known for its defense under Boeheim. However, it’s the offense that leads the way this year. The Orange rank 17th in offensive efficiency according to Ken Pomeroy, and they take advantage of their opportunities at the free throw line. They don’t turn the ball over often either.
This defense is an issue though. The 2-3 Zone is not as effective as it used to be with more players able to hit perimeter shots. Syracuse is one of the worst teams when it comes to protecting the glass on defense too, allowing way too many second chances for opponents.
Season Recap
Syracuse was on the bubble for essentially the entire season. The Orange never won more than three straight games, but they only had two bad losses. For whatever reason, Syracuse was unable to beat Pittsburgh, losing to the Panthers twice.
Buddy Boeheim led the Orange with 18.0 PPG. He is the most efficient three-point shooter on the roster, making 39.6 percent of his threes.
Quincy Guerrier is averaging 13.9 PPG and 8.5 RPG. He is making 49.8 percent of his field goals, but he is the least reliable free throw shooter on the roster.
Alan Griffin and Marek Dolezaj are both averaging at least 10.0 PPG and 5.0 RPG. Dolezaj is a good set-up man for a forward, but he does not play up to his 6’10 frame.
Syracuse Orange Seasons (2000)
| SEASON |
RECORD |
NCAA TOURNAMENT RESULT |
| 2019-20 |
18-14 |
Tournament Cancelled |
| 2018-19 |
20-14 |
First Round |
| 2017-18 |
23-14 |
Sweet Sixteen |
| 2016-17 |
19-15 |
Second Round |
| 2015-16 |
23-14 |
Final Four |
| 2014-15 |
18-13 |
- |
| 2013-14 |
28-6 |
First Round |
| 2012-13 |
30-10 |
Final Four |
| 2011-12 |
34-3 |
Elite Eight |
| 2010-11 |
27-8 |
Second Round |
| 2009-10 |
30-5 |
Sweet Sixteen |
| 2008-09 |
28-10 |
Sweet Sixteen |
| 2007-08 |
21-14 |
- |
| 2006-07 |
24-11 |
- |
| 2005-06 |
23-12 |
1st Round |
| 2004-05 |
27-7 |
1st Round |
| 2003-04 |
23-8 |
Sweet Sixteen |
| 2002-03 |
30-5 |
National Champion |
| 2001-02 |
23-13 |
- |
| 2000-01 |
25-9 |
Second Round |
NCAA Basketball Teams
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