Virginia Tech at Syracuse

Syracuse has had this game circled ever since it blew a 13-point lead and lost to Virginia Tech, 101-95, in Blacksburg, Va., last March 1. The Orange have even more motivation after they were upset, 81-73 in overtime, by Boston College on the road this past Saturday. Syracuse had won six of its previous seven games before that disturbing defeat, as Boston College was 0-4 in the ACC before pulling the upset as a 6.5-point underdog. The Orange are 9-2 at home this season. Virginia Tech is 1-2 on the road. The Hokies are a solid team, but not outstanding on either offense or defense. Syracuse has a top-30 defense. The Orange averages 6.6 blocks a game. Their shot-blocking prowess and interior defense should make it rough on Virginia Tech. Syracuse held Tennessee to a season-low 60 points in a 62-60 home win last month. That was 22.4 points below the Volunteers' season average. Virginia Tech has played four games that were decided by three or fewer points during its last five games. So the safe play is to back Syracuse on the money line. Take Syracuse on the moneyline.