Syracuse vs SMU Prediction 3/12/25 College Basketball Picks

In this article, we will formulate a Syracuse vs SMU prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, March 12th at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Syracuse Orange Betting Preview

The Syracuse Orange are 14-18 (7-13) this season after they defeated Florida State by a score of 66-62 in their last game. Syracuse led 30-26 at halftime and they were able to maintain that lead in the second half for the win. The Orange shot 44.1% from the field, 14.3% on three-pointers, and 54.5% on free throws in the game. JJ Starling led Syracuse with 27 points and five rebounds, while Eddie Lampkin Jr. added 14 points and nine rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that victory, the Orange defeated Virginia by a score of 84-70 but did lose to SMU by a score of 77-75 before that. Syracuse has won three of their last five games and they finished 14th in the ACC standings with a 7-13 record. Syracuse has scored 75.6 points per game and they have allowed 78.4 points per game, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game this season. JJ Starling is averaging 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while Eddie Lampkin Jr. is averaging 11.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this year. Syracuse is shooting 46.1% from the field, 71.1% on free throws, and 33.4% on three-pointers this season. 

SMU Mustangs Betting Preview

The SMU Mustangs are 22-9 (13-7) this year after they lost to Florida State by a score of 76-69 in their last game. SMU trailed 33-32 at halftime and they allowed 43 points in the second half in the bad loss. The Mustangs shot 41.8% from the field, 29.2% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Boopie Miller led SMU with 16 points and five assists, while Matt Cross added 13 points and six rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, the Mustangs defeated Syracuse by a score of 77-75 but did lose to Stanford by a score of 73-68 before that. SMU has alternated wins and losses over their last eight games and they finished tied for fourth in the ACC standings with a 13-7 record. SMU has scored 81.1 points per game and they have allowed 72.2 points per game, while also averaging 38.7 rebounds and 15.8 assists per game this season. Boopie Miller is averaging 13.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, while Chuck Harris is averaging 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this year. SMU is shooting 48.2% from the field, 72.1% on free throws, and 38% on three-pointers this season. 

Syracuse vs SMU Prediction 

SMU is another one of these bubble teams for the NCAA Tournament that needs to make some noise in their conference tournament, but they have regressed over the last few weeks. The Mustangs have really struggled to string wins together and they are coming off of a loss to a bad FSU team. SMU is shooting 48.2% from the field this year and they are scoring over 81 points per game. Syracuse has won two games in a row, but their defense is allowing over 78 points per game this season. SMU won the first meeting with Syracuse by a score of 77-75 just last week, but I just don’t think they are playing consistently enough to lay this many points. Take the Orange here. 

David Racey's Pick: Syracuse +8.5