Evan Altemus | CBB Sides
triple-dime bet877 Syracuse 1.0 (-110) BetUS vs 878 Oklahoma
Analysis:
In order to justify one of my biggest plays of the entire year in any sport, I am going to analyze several different aspects to this game. First, let?s look at the coaching match-up of Jim Boeheim vs. Jeff Capel. Boeheim has much more experience than Capel and is an excellent big game coach. Capel is a very good coach as well though. Overall, I give a slight edge to Syracuse in regards to the head coach. Next, let?s compare overall guard play on both teams. The Orange have a huge edge here, as Johnny Flynn and Eric Devendorf are very under-rated guards. They are significantly better than Oklahoma?s guards. Oklahoma?s guards are turnover prone, as well. The Sooners had 19 turnovers against Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship game, 21 turnovers against Missouri in the regular season, and 15 turnovers against Morgan State in the 1st round. However, I feel that the biggest advantage in this game is the size and depth of Syracuse?s big men. They will be able to continually challenge Blake Griffin on the inside while not having to worry about foul trouble. Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson are big bodies and excellent forwards who will be able to at least slow down Griffin without worrying about foul trouble. One last important key to look at is the two games involving Big East teams against Big 12 teams in the NCAA tournament 2nd round. Marquette was either the worst or second worst team from the Big East to make it into the tournament. Meanwhile, Missouri was arguably the best or tied for the best team in the Big 12 this season. However, the Tigers let the Golden Eagles back into the game after leading by double digits at halftime. In fact, Missouri?s high tempo style of play didn?t affect Marquette in the second half, as they made a furious rally and take the lead. In addition, Pittsburgh, once playing with motivation, was able to pull away from Oklahoma State with relative easy late in the 1st half and in the 2nd half. The Panthers don?t typically blow teams out anyway, but the talent gap was obvious once they focused. These games show me that there is a talent gap between the Big 12 and Big East teams. Both Syracuse and Oklahoma are being priced at their level of play from the regular season. However, Syracuse has vastly improved, while Oklahoma has shown some weaknesses. The Orange have much better overall team play with an excellent inside/outside combination. They also have better three point shooters and guards who can make tough shots at the end of the game. Having guards who can make shots during critical moments is one of the most important factors when handicapping these tough tournament games. Syracuse also has better three point shooters. The Orange are playing their best basketball of the season at just the right time, while the Sooners are over-rated, especially against the best teams in the country. Look for Syracuse to win this game outright.
5 UNIT SELECTION
paid and confirmed
