Central Connecticut vs Syracuse Prediction 11/5/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

Central Connecticut vs Syracuse Prediction

I’ll lean toward Syracuse but I’m probably not touching it. The Orange didn’t shoot great from the field (39 percent) in their opener win versus an overmatched New Haven team on Monday but they did everything else pretty well. Syracuse turned the ball over just five times and had a 40-34 rebounding advantage. Game two is another comfy home matchup and the Orange should dominate—I’d like to see that shooting percentage come up, though.

As for Central Connecticut, they didn’t get a whole lot out of their starters in the loss to Temple on Monday, as three of them combined for just two points. There were some good minutes off the bench, but with the team shooting just 35 percent from the field and 46 percent (6-of-13) from the line it’s hard to win a basketball game. The Blue Devils also had 12 turnovers in their opener defeat, so they’ve got plenty to clean up before moving to an even harder matchup here.

Game Info, Stats and Previews

The Central Connecticut Blue Devils and the Syracuse Orange meet Thursday in college basketball action from JMA Wireless Dome. Here’s a collection of relevant information and reasoning for a sound Central Connecticut vs Syracuse prediction. We have looked at this information from a betting perspective and attempted to determine the best Central Connecticut vs Syracuse pick. We will also examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. We will tie it all together to the pick summary, resulting in a sensible prediction for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils Betting Preview

Last season the Blue Devils took a step backward but still had a decent campaign overall. Central Connecticut put up an 18-12 run in 2025-26 with a 12-6 stretch in Northeast Conference play. That result would put the team behind only LIU in the standings. The Blue Devils finished the regular season on a tear at 7-1 over the last eight games but then lost to Wagner in the first game of the NEC Tournament to finish off their year for good.

This season Central Connecticut has one game finished up already. The Blue Devils took on Temple at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia this past Monday. That one didn’t go so well for Central CT, as they would fall 68-56 in the end. Leading the scorers in the loss was Ashton Reynolds with 18 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes off the bench. Topping the starters in scoring was Raphel Laurent with 13 points and seven boards in the losing effort for the Blue Devils.

Syracuse Orange Betting Preview

Over on the Syracuse side, they could only manage a 15-17 overall record last year with a 6-12 run in ACC play. The Orange finished ahead of only Pitt, Notre Dame, Boston College and Georgia Tech with that effort. Syracuse would end up losing in the first game of the conference tournament versus SMU back on March 10.

Syracuse has one game done this year as well. On Monday the Orange took on New Haven in a home matchup at JMA Wireless Dome in front of over 23,000 people. Syracuse didn’t have a whole lot of trouble in that one, rolling to a 74-58 victory. Leading team scorer Kiyan Anthony came off the bench for 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Both Sadiq White (10 rebounds) and Gavin Doty (13 rebounds) had double-doubles with 14 points apiece.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils @ Syracuse Orange Betting Trends: November 5, 2026

Why the Syracuse Orange will win

• Syracuse has won each of its last 18 night games against non-Conference opponents at JMA Wireless Dome.
• Central Connecticut has lost four of its last five games against non-Conference opponents.
• Central Connecticut has lost the first half in each of its last six Thursday night games against non-Conference opponents.

Why the Central Connecticut Blue Devils will win

• Central Connecticut has won eight of its last nine road games following a road loss.
• Syracuse has lost four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Syracuse Orange -21.5