Last Updated on March 14, 2010 1:42 pm by drew
Syracuse Tourny Odds
In a deep conference, Syracuse has emerged as the top of the crop in the Big East and that makes the Orange one of the top contenders to win the NCAA Tournament.
Just two tournament victories since 2004, Syracuse has had perhaps its best season since winning the national championship in 2003. The Orange are 28-4 on the season and 15-3 in the Big East. Syracuse has earned a No. 3 ranking this season and at one point was the top ranked team in the country.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com have given Syracuse 4/1 odds to win the NCAA Tournament and junior forward Wesley Johnson has 12/1 odds to win the 2010 John Wooden Award.
The Orange won their first 13 games of the season before falling to Pittsburgh, 82-72. Syracuse responded with 11 straight wins before falling, 66-60 to Louisville. The Orange won their next four before again losing to the Cardinals, 78-68. Syracuse had the No. 1 seed in the Big East Tournament, but lost to Georgetown in the quarterfinals, 78-68.
The Orange score 81.5 points per-game while allowing 66.9 per-contest. Syracuse shoots 51.6 percent from the field, which leads the Big East while holding opponents to 39.9 percent shooting. Syracuse lead the Big East in assists, averaging at 19.4 per-game, while also leading in steals at 10 per-game.
Johnson has averaged 16 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 2.3 assists per-game on the year. He shoots 49.2 percent from the field and 78 percent from the free throw line. Syracuse has four others averaging over 10 points per-game. Guard Andy Rautins averages 11.7 points and 5 assists per-game. Forward Kris Joseph averages 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per-game.
2010 March Madness Odds
Syracuse 4/1
2010 John Wooden Award Odds
Wesley Johnson (Syracuse) 12/1
Posted: 3/14/10 1:42PM ET