Pictured: PJ Hall. Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

College basketball odds, pick: Syracuse vs. Clemson for Tuesday, March 5

Originally posted on Action Network
By Jessica Gonsalves | Last updated Mar 4, 2024 11:16 PM ET

As Syracuse and Clemson prepare to face off, we will analyze each team’s performance this season to make an informed betting decision. Clemson — with an 11-4 record at home this season — will attempt to bounce back from its recent loss to Notre Dame, while Syracuse will look to keep its four-game winning streak going.

Let's get to our Syracuse vs. Clemson preview and pick.

Syracuse vs Clemson Odds

Tuesday, March 5, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Syracuse Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+9.5 -110	153.5 -110o / -110u	+365

Clemson Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-9.5 -110	153.5 -110o / -110u	-490

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute NCAAB odds here.

Syracuse Orange

The Orange have produced a mixed bag of results this season, highlighted by their 90th ranking in adjusted offensive efficiency and a middling 153rd in effective field goal percentage. While they've proven capable of putting up points (86th in the nation in scoring), they often struggle with consistency in shooting from the field.

On the defensive side, Syracuse ranks 74th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Yet, its 289th ranking in defensive eFG% and 291st ranking in defensive rebounding highlight significant vulnerabilities in guarding the perimeter and securing the board after missed shots.

Those defensive gaps could be exploited by a team with proficient shooters and aggressive rebounders.

Clemson Tigers

On the other side, the Tigers have demonstrated a more robust profile — especially on offense, where they rank 23rd in adjusted efficiency and 46th in eFG%. Clemson’s 58th ranking in turnover percentage further underscores its effective ball control, reducing wasted possessions.

Defensively, the Tigers remain solid, ranking 52nd in adjusted defensive efficiency and a stout 33rd in defensive rebounding. However, their 346th ranking in turnover percentage on defense suggests a potential area of concern, as they struggle to create fast-break opportunities to bolster their offense.

Syracuse vs. Clemson

Betting Pick & Prediction

Taking all factors into consideration, Clemson covering the 9-point spread emerges as the most compelling bet for this matchup.

The Tigers' offensive efficiency, combined with their solid defense, positions them well to take advantage of Syracuse's struggles in shot conversion and rebounding. Playing at home further tilts the scales in favor of Clemson.

Moreover, Syracuse's defensive challenges are likely to be exacerbated against a Clemson team that excels in scoring efficiency.