Why Georgetown will beat Syracuse

Syracuse Orange at Georgetown Hoyas

Since its 18-1 start, Syracuse can only be described as a mediocre team. The Orange's power ratings -- the mathematical formulas that bookmakers use to set opening lines -- include all of those early-season victories. Here in Vegas, Jim Boeheim's squad is still considered to be one of the dozen best teams in the country. Frankly, I don't buy that argument about a team that has lost six of 11 games, with four of its five victories during that span coming against teams that aren't going to the Big Dance.

The Orange have struggled repeatedly against Georgetown in recent meetings, including an 11-point home loss to the Hoyas last month. Syracuse couldn't contain Otto Porter in that contest (33 points, eight rebounds and five steals) and shot only 34 percent from the floor with 16 turnovers. Since the Hoyas are coming off a bad loss at Villanova, and the Big East title is on the line, I expect them to bounce back strong.

The ATS pick: Georgetown

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Ted Sevransky

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Ted Sevransky, better known as Teddy Covers, has been handicapping sports in Vegas since 1998.