T.M. Selection: Syracuse.

I like Syracuse to cover the spread against Duke in this game on Thursday. Syracuse looked really good in their most recent game where they kicked out Florida State in the 1st round of this tournament. Syracuse ended their year off with 4 losses in a row but they quickly regrouped for the ACC tournament since they came out last night and won by 39 points over Florida State. Not only did they put up a ton of points in that game scoring 96, but they played great defense too and only gave up 57 points to Florida State. Syracuse has already been scarred twice by Duke this year, losing both of their games to them by 20+ points. I think Syracuse will play better here since this is tournament play now and it really is their last shot at going to the NCAA tournament. I expect them to have a lot of momentum after that huge win over Florida State and I think they can carry that over into this game and at least put up a good fight against Duke. Duke ended the year as the 1st place team in their conference but they did not look good in their most recent game, losing on their own home court in the final home game of Mike Krzyzewski's coaching career, and losing that game by 10+ points to their rival UNC too. That is a terrible loss for them to take and I do think they will bounce back here but I still expect their spirits to be lowered a bit and I think Syracuse can take advantage of a slow start from Duke with all of the emotions running through their team still. I think Syracuse will be out for revenge here and even if there is a good chance they don't get it here, I still think they will keep this game a lot closer than their other 2 against Duke this year. I like Syracuse to cover the spread.

T.M. Prediction: 86-78 Duke.