Pittsburgh is a bubble team with something to prove on the road. I believe the Panthers will prove they can win a road game against a tough foe here. The timing is right for it.



Matchup-wise, the Panthers have the necessary balanced offense to attack Syracuse's vaunted 2-3 zone defense and they have improved their game as the season has progressed.

Syracuse has a self-imposed tournament ban. So the Orangemen don't have great motivation especially coming after their best win of the season, an upset at home against Louisville this past Wednesday. Before that game, the Orangemen played Duke at home. I just don't see the Orangemen getting that excited about this matchup. They have nothing to prove while Pittsburgh does.

The Orangemen are 2-7 ATS following a victory. If you discount their 69-59 victory against the Cardinals, the Orange are 0-5 ATS in their last five home games.

(Editor's note: Long-time pro Stephen Nover is 6-1 on his last seven college basketball plays and is coming off a 3-0 NBA sweep last night. Don't miss any of Stephen's premium plays today, including his Conference USA Game of the Year.)