Virginia Defense Deals Blow to Syracuse in ACC Opener: Hoos Cruises to Victory

Game outlook

The Syracuse Orange and Virginia Cavaliers face off in the first ACC game for each team this season, with the Cavaliers being the betting favorite at -10.75. The Orange are in their first season without their former head coach Jim Boeheim, and are 5-2 on the season heading into the game. Virginia holds a 5-1 record this season after non-conference play, and the opening tip is set for noon EST.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Orange +483 | Cavaliers -663

Spread: Orange +10.75 (-110) | Cavaliers -10.75 (-110)

Total: Over/Under 128.75 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Virginia will win straight-up is 87%.

Syracuse Orange

The Syracuse Orange, led by new head coach Adrian Autry, are 5-2 in the season and coming off a significant home win over LSU. Ranked 141st in the country in points per game, they are an above-average team at protecting the ball (130th in nation for turnovers per game) and have defensive rankings of 153rd in points allowed, 163rd in field goal percentage and 116th in 3-point defense. Offensively, the Orange are ranked 108th in scoring (78.43 points per game) and 220th in field goal percentage (43.75%). They are also ranked 110th in free throw percentage (73.17%), 226th in 3-point percentage (31.74%) and 92nd in rebounds (39.29). Defensively, the Orange allow an average of 41.16% field goals (126th in NCAAB), 66.04% free throws (53rd ), 29.27% three pointers (92nd ), 40.57 defensive rebounds per game (40.57) and 16.14 turnovers per game (36th ). As they travel to Virginia for their first ACC action on Saturday, Syracuse will have the opportunity to add to their coach's impressive start this season.