NCAA Picks and Tips: South Florida Bulls and Syracuse Orange
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
by Mike Stewart
South Florida Bulls is still looking for a signature victory, but the Bulls have won four straight as they visit No. 2 Syracuse Orange.
The Bulls’ defense, which has allowed an average of 49.3 points the last four games, will face the ultimate test. Syracuse scores almost 77 points per game and shoots 47.6 percent from the field, both best in the Big East.
The Orange are third in the nation in steals (9.9) and play solid defense. The key might be the battle between South Florida’s talented freshman point guard Anthony Collins and Syracuse’s senior floor general Scoop Jardine.
- South Florida Bulls @ Syracuse Orange
When: 7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Where: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York
TV: ET; Big East Network, ESPN3.com
The Orange have opened as 14-point favorites on SBG Global Sportsbook’s Live NCAA Basketball Odds.
South Florida Bulls (17-10): The Bulls have not lost since a humbling 30-point defeat at Georgetown on Feb. 4. Collins has been a big reason, averaging 11 points and 6.2 assists the last six games. He was named the Big East rookie of the week after a career-high 22 points at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Victor Rudd has also raised his game, averaging 12 points and six rebounds the last three games. Augustus Gilchrist is the only double-figure scorer (10.5). South Florida allows 58.2 points per game, best in the Big East.
Syracuse Orange (27-1): The Orange have won seven straight since their lone loss at Notre Dame, but had tough battles in six of them. Syracuse can clinch at least a tie for the Big East regular-season title with one more victory and is off to the best 28-game start in the program’s history. The Orange have a productive and balanced offense. Kris Joseph (14.0) and Dion Waiters (12.0) average in double figures and six are scoring at least 7.9. Sophomore center Fab Melo has averaged 10.8 points and 2.8 blocks the last five games. TIP-INS
1. South Florida has set a team record for Big East wins in a season with four games left.
2. Jardine has had seven assists or more in eight games this season and averages 5.0.
3. Syracuse has won eight of nine meetings. The only win for the Bulls was Feb. 13, 2008 in Tampa.
NCAA BASKETBALL PREDICTION: Orange 78, Bulls 50.
Bet on NCAA College Basketball games with SBG Global Sportsbook
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anthony collins - augustus gilchrist - carrier dome - dion waiters - fab melo - kris joseph - scoop jardine - south florida bulls - syracuse orange - victor rudd
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