Best Syracuse vs. NC State Bets and Predictions for Tuesday, Feb. 20
By Cem Yolbulan
NC State's NCAA Tournament hopes were dwindling this time last week. But an improbable comeback win against Clemson on the road kept their hopes alive and the Wolfpack are now looking to build momentum at home against the Syracuse Orange. With only six games left in the regular season, NC State can't afford to lose games they should be winning.
D.J. Horne not only made the game-winning shot against the Tigers, but he also extended his 20+ point-scoring streak to six games, proving that he is one of the hottest scorers in the country. The Wolfpack will rely on him once again to carry them to a win against Syracuse.
Syracuse vs. North Carolina State Odds, Spread, and Total
Syracuse vs. NC State Best Bet and Prediction
NC State is one of the only teams in the ACC to not have a loss to a Q3 team. They are 11-3 at home. Syracuse, on the other hand, only won two games on the road all season. They are one of the most inconsistent teams in the ACC this season, with an ability to beat North Carolina, then follow it with a loss to Georgia Tech.
On top of it all, Syracuse has been short-handed in the frontcourt all season. They play 6'8 Maliq Brown at center and they don't have a reliable backup big behind him. DJ Burns Jr. and Mohamed Diarra should be able to dominate in the paint against the Orange.
NC State will presumably be extra motivated since they suffered a disappointing 12-point loss to Syracuse earlier this season. This should be enough to push them to a comfortable enough win to cover the spread.
My pick: NC State -6.5
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.