2012 NCAA Basketball Picks: Georgetown @ Syracuse Odds and Predictions – Free NCAAB Picks 2/8/2012

Free College Basketball Picks and Spreads: Georgetown @ Syracuse 2012 NCAA Basketball Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on ESPN 2/8/12: At 10-1 in the Big East and 23-1 overall, the second-ranked Syracuse Orange are enjoying a memorable season. The team is closing in on a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament and is close to securing the regular season title in the country’s deepest conference. One of the few teams that could wreck the Orange’s Big East dreams is Georgetown. The 11th-ranked Hoyas (18-4) are second in the conference but two games back of Syracuse. If they are going to sneak up and steal the title from the Orange, the Hoyas have to win when the two teams meet Wednesday night. However, knocking off the Orange in the Carrier Dome is easier said than done, and Syracuse is an 11-point favorite.

Both teams have been powered by efficient offenses that move the ball and create open shots through ball movement. The Orange and Hoyas have the athletes to score in transition, but they aren’t afraid to slow things down and play in the half court. The ability to score consistently and effectively in half court sets has separated these two teams from the rest of the pack in the Big East.

While the teams are similar in terms of offensive style, the Orange has a serious edge in depth. Syracuse might be the deepest team in the country. Seven players are contributing significant minutes and averaging more than seven points a game. Guard Dion Waiters is a prime example of the depth. He is the team’s second-leading scorer but comes off the bench. The deep group of reliable scoring options allows the Orange to stay fresh on both ends of the court, which has allowed Syracuse to survive and thrive despite the grueling Big East schedule.

Of course, the Hoyas have a trio of versatile playmakers that could challenge the Orange. Guard Jason Clark, forward Hollis Thomas and center Henry Sims are all averaging at least 12 points and at least four rebounds. All three players have an all-around game that allows them to create mismatches on the offensive end. For example, Sims is the team’s leading assist man, and there aren’t many centers that can claim that. The Orange has been stifling opponents with its 2-3 zone all season, but Georgetown is one of the few teams with the unique combination of weapons to attack the highly-regarded defense.

The X-factor in the matchup could be Syracuse forward Fab Melo. The big man missed three games because of an academic issue, and during his suspension, the Orange dropped its only game. His impact on the defensive end can’t be overstated, and he gives Syracuse that physical edge that turns the Orange from a good team to an elite one. Melo returned with a bang as well, picking up a double-double and six blocks. Wednesday’s showdown with the Hoyas will be his second game back, and another inspired performance could be on tap.

In the end, Georgetown’s methodical style on the offensive end will push Syracuse’s zone to the limit. However, the Orange has a roster loaded with long, athletic bodies that make the zone extend from the basket to the 3-point line. More importantly, Syracuse should be able to wear down the Georgetown defense with its waves of effective scorers. The Orange should take control of the game down the stretch to pick up the win, but the Hoyas have enough weapons of their won to stay within 11 points.

Prediction: Georgetown Hoyas (+9.5) Cover the Spread

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