Syracuse basketball will play one more game before the calendar year turns to 2023, as the Orange is set to host fellow Atlantic Coast Conference team Boston College on New Year’s Eve at the JMA Wireless Dome.
In its most recent game, the ‘Cuse lost by two points, 84-82, to Pittsburgh on the Hill. During this ACC clash on December 20, Syracuse basketball found itself down by as many as 20 points to the Panthers, but the Orange clawed its way back and even had a chance to win this affair in the game’s final seconds.
However, Pittsburgh hung on for the road triumph, snapping a recent five-contest winning streak for the ‘Cuse (8-5, 1-1 in the ACC). Now Syracuse basketball will host the Eagles (7-6, 1-1) on Saturday afternoon to culminate the Orange’s current six-game homestand.
To date in the 2022-23 campaign, Boston College’s wins have come against Cornell, Detroit Mercy, George Mason, Wyoming, Rhode Island, Stonehill and then-No. 21 Virginia Tech. Conversely, the Eagles have suffered defeats to Maine, Tarleton, Nebraska, No. 17 Duke, New Hampshire and Villanova.
Syracuse basketball versus Boston College odds
On Saturday morning, actionnetwork.com had installed the Orange as a 9.5-point betting favorite against the Eagles, with the over/under set at 132.5 points.
Syracuse basketball versus Boston College prediction
According to orangehoops.org, the Orange has an all-time series advantage of 55-26 against the Eagles. Presently, the ‘Cuse has beaten Boston College on eight consecutive occasions, including a regular-season sweep of the Eagles in 2021-22.
At the time of this writing, Syracuse basketball possessed an NCAA NET ranking of No. 152, as compared to No. 227 for Boston College. In short, if the Eagles emerge victorious versus the Orange, that would prove a bad home loss for the ‘Cuse.
Boston College’s resume to date in 2022-23 isn’t overly impressive, but then again, neither is the Orange’s. The Eagles, by and large, are struggling to score, averaging just 64.3 points per game while allowing 66.9 points per affair.
At this juncture in 2022-23, per ESPN statistics, Boston College is connecting on 41.3 percent from the field, 67.1 percent from the free-throw line, and a paltry 26.6 percent from beyond the arc.
In its last outing, Syracuse basketball was torched by Pittsburgh on the glass and from deep. The ‘Cuse defense must be locked in versus the Eagles, a group that also commits 12.3 turnovers per encounter.
Syracuse basketball has had a good amount of success in turning its opponents over and grabbing easy buckets out in transition. I think that the Orange can replicate this against Boston College, and I’ll go with Syracuse basketball to knock off the Eagles on the Hill.
Injuries, how to watch, live stream, next game
On the injury front, I’m not aware of any significant injuries to note as the Orange aims to get back into the win column. Certainly, we’ll stay on top of this topic throughout the current term.
Syracuse basketball and Boston College will collide beginning at 2 pm on Saturday, Dec. 31, from the Dome. The ACC Network will televise this league contest.
For Syracuse basketball and Eagles fans who want to stream this game, you can check it out on fuboTV.
After the Orange plays Boston College, the ‘Cuse will hit the road. On Tuesday, Jan. 3, commencing at 7 pm, Syracuse basketball will tip off at Louisville, with ESPNU providing television coverage.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.