The Syracuse Orange and the Kansas Jayhawks are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 3:30 PM UTC. Both teams are coming off recent games in the Players Era Championship, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Team Analysis
Syracuse
- Season Overview and Recent Form
The Syracuse Orange enter this game with a 4-1 record. In their most recent outing, they narrowly lost to the No. 3 Houston Cougars in overtime, 78-74. Despite the loss, the Orange showcased resilience, overcoming an 11-point deficit late in regulation to force overtime. Sophomore Tyler Betsey led the team with a career-high 16 points, including a crucial three-pointer that tied the game in the final minute of regulation. Senior William Kyle III contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Notably, leading scorer Donnie Freeman missed the game due to a lower-leg injury and is expected to be unavailable for the upcoming matchup against Kansas.
Kansas
- Season Overview and Recent Form
The Kansas Jayhawks hold a 4-2 record. In their latest game, they secured a 71-61 victory over Notre Dame in the opening round of the Players Era Championship. Sophomore forward Flory Bidunga was instrumental, recording 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and five blocks. Illinois transfer Tre White added 16 points and nine rebounds, while Bryson Tiller contributed 17 points and nine rebounds. Freshman guard Darryn Peterson, who had been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, remains out for this game.
Key Matchup Factors
- Head-to-Head History
The Kansas Jayhawks and the Syracuse Orange have faced each other once before, with Kansas winning 76-60 in December 2017.
- Important Player Matchups
With Freeman’s absence, Syracuse will rely on Betsey and Kyle to step up offensively. Betsey’s perimeter shooting and Kyle’s presence in the paint will be crucial against Kansas’s defense. For Kansas, Bidunga’s dominance in the post, along with White’s versatility, will be key factors in their offensive strategy.
- Key Injuries and News
Syracuse’s leading scorer, Donnie Freeman, is out due to a lower-leg injury. Kansas’s freshman guard Darryn Peterson is also sidelined with a hamstring injury. Both teams will need to adjust their strategies to compensate for these absences.
- Home/Away Performance
The game will be played at a neutral site in Las Vegas, providing an even playing field for both teams. Neither team has a distinct home-court advantage in this matchup.
Betting Analysis
- Spread Analysis
The current spread favors Kansas by 4.5 points. Considering Freeman’s absence for Syracuse and Peterson’s for Kansas, the spread appears reasonable. Kansas’s depth and recent performances suggest they have the upper hand.
- Total (Over/Under) Analysis
The over/under is set at 147.5. Both teams have shown the ability to score efficiently, with Kansas averaging 76.3 points per game and Syracuse 80.0 points per game. However, the absence of key players may impact scoring efficiency. A slight lean towards the under is advisable.
- Best Value Opportunities
Given the spread and total, betting on Kansas to cover the -4.5 spread seems prudent. Additionally, considering the under on the total points may offer value, especially with the potential for defensive adjustments due to the missing players.
- Prediction
With Freeman out for Syracuse and Peterson sidelined for Kansas, both teams will need to adjust their lineups and strategies. Kansas’s depth and recent performances, particularly from Bidunga and White, give them a slight edge. Syracuse’s resilience and the emergence of Betsey and Kyle will keep the game competitive. However, Kansas is likely to secure a narrow victory.
- Final Pick
Kansas to cover the -4.5 spread. While Syracuse has shown promise, the Jayhawks’ depth and recent form make them the favored team in this matchup. For more insights and betting strategies, consider exploring Wannamakeabet’s points-based betting system.
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