Syracuse surprised many people by making the tournament. (Getty)
Editor’s note: The odds below are courtesy of Heavy’s partners at OddsShark. Click here for more college basketball odds and betting info at OddsShark.com.
10 Syracuse takes on 7 Dayton in the Midwest region matchup of the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Syracuse was thought to be on the bubble and surprised many by making the tournament.
According to OddsShark, Dayton is favored by one point heading into the contest. The data projects it to be a virtually even matchup. The over-under is set at 128.5 points.
Dayton is 1-8-1 against the spread in their last ten matchups. Syracuse is 10-5 against the spread in the last fifteen games. Both teams have tended to go over the point total in recent games. The total has gone over in 8 of Dayton’s last 11 matchups, while it has gone over in six of Syracuse’s last eight games.
The OddsShark computer is projecting a Dayton 73-64 victory over Syracuse. FiveThirtyEight’s computer projection gives Dayton a slight advantage with a 52% chance of victory.
Heavy also sides with the computers. Syracuse’s poor end to the season will spill over into the tournament as Dayton will end up victorious.
Heavy’s Pick: Dayton 68 Syracuse 64. Dayton -1. Over on the point total.