Syracuse Orange vs SMU Mustangs Pick – 3/12/2025

The ACC Tournament continues with an intriguing second-round encounter between the #14 seed Syracuse Orange and the #6 seed SMU Mustangs. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM Eastern Time at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both teams are eager to advance, with SMU aiming to solidify its postseason credentials and Syracuse looking to build on recent momentum.

Syracuse Orange vs. SMU Mustangs Game Preview

Syracuse enters this contest following a hard-fought 66-62 victory over Florida State in the opening round. The Orange, now 14-18 overall, were led by J.J. Starling's impressive 27-point performance, shooting 12-of-23 from the field. Eddie Lampkin Jr. contributed significantly with 14 points and nine rebounds. Despite a challenging season, Syracuse's recent win demonstrates their resilience and potential to upset higher-seeded teams.

SMU, concluding the regular season with a 22-9 record and a 13-7 mark in ACC play, has shown offensive prowess throughout the year. The Mustangs average 81.1 points per game, ranking 24th nationally, and boast a 48.2% field goal percentage. However, they have faced inconsistency, finishing the season on a 3-4 run. The status of leading scorer Boopie Miller, who averages 13.4 points and 5.7 assists per game, remains uncertain due to a foot injury that sidelined him for the last five games. In his absence, Kario Oquendo has stepped up, averaging 13.0 points per game during this stretch.

Betting Insights

As of now, the betting line favors SMU by 8.5 points. The over/under for the game is set at 151.5 points. Bettors should monitor the status of key players, particularly Boopie Miller for SMU, as his availability could influence the line.

Betting Trends

• Syracuse Against the Spread (ATS): The Orange have covered the spread in recent games, including their outright win over Florida State as 3.5-point underdogs.
• SMU's Recent Performance: The Mustangs have struggled to cover the spread, going 3-4 in their last seven games, coinciding with Miller's absence.
• Over/Under Trends: Both teams have demonstrated offensive capabilities, with SMU ranking 32nd in adjusted offensive efficiency and Syracuse averaging 75.6 points per game. This suggests a potential for a high-scoring game.

Syracuse Orange vs. SMU Mustangs Prediction

Considering the current form and injury concerns, this matchup presents a compelling case for bettors. Syracuse's recent victory and the uncertainty surrounding SMU's leading scorer, Boopie Miller, suggest that the Orange could cover the 8.5-point spread. Additionally, both teams' offensive tendencies point towards the total points exceeding the 151.5 over/under line. Therefore, the recommended picks are:

• Spread: Syracuse Orange +8.5
• Total Points: Over 151.5

As always, bettors should stay updated on player statuses and any line movements leading up to the game to make informed decisions.