Two defenses that have really struggled this season will face off when the Syracuse Orange meet the SMU Mustangs in the ACC Tournament.
These two met up earlier this season in a free-scoring 79-78 thriller, and my Syracuse vs. SMU predictions expect a similar outcome this afternoon.
Read why in my college basketball picks for Tuesday, March 10.
Syracuse vs SMU prediction
Syracuse vs SMU best bet
Syracuse vs SMU best bet: Over 154 (-110)
Though I usually avoid Overs in tournaments, I’m taking it here. Both teams like to play in transition and have exploitable matchups, so neither will slow the pace.
Beyond that, though, there are clear paths to both teams scoring regularly in the halfcourt.
SMU, with Boopie Miller, ranks in the 75th percentile in both attack + kick and big + cut actions. Syracuse can’t defend either.
On the other side, the Orange have a clear path to scoring on pick-and-pop actions with Donnie Freeman.
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Syracuse vs SMU same-game parlay
Those big cutting actions I mentioned at the onset? Essentially, nobody else scores on them for SMU except the Turkish big man. He should take advantage of a clear weak spot.
Syracuse vs SMU SGP
- Over 154
- Samet Yigitoglu Over 11.5 points
Our beyond the arc SGP: Offense on display
I expect Miller to distribute a ton in this matchup, as he can get into the paint, get kicks, or find bigs cutting to the basket.
I paired that with Donnie Freeman to make at least one three, given the aforementioned pick-and-pop advantage the Orange have.
Lastly, the Mustangs have limped into the ACC Tournament, which has muted this price, but they still have a superior talent advantage here and will overwhelm the Orange on offense.
Syracuse vs SMU SGP
- Over 154
- Boopie Miller Over 6.5 assists
- Donnie Freeman Over 0.5 threes
- SMU moneyline
Syracuse vs SMU odds
- Spread: Syracuse +4.5 | SMU -4.5
- Moneyline: Syracuse +165 | SMU -200
- Over/Under: Over 154 | Under 154
Syracuse vs SMU betting trend to know
SMU has hit the first half game rotal Over in 17 of their last 25 games (+7.70 Units / 27% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Syracuse vs. SMU.
How to watch Syracuse vs SMU
| Location | Spectrum Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ACC Network |
Syracuse vs SMU key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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