Syracuse is noted for playing a hard-nosed 2-3 style of defense that makes scoring difficult. With the 3-point line moving back this season, it has made the Orange all the more fearsome on defense.

Syracuse ranks ninth among Division I teams in points-per-game allowed with 53.6, and is 11th nationally in opponents’ 3-point shooting defense. This will make life difficult for an Oklahoma State team that has struggled from beyond the arc this season.

The Cowboys have two players in Lindy Waters and Thomas Dziagwa who are making 40 percent or more of their 3s, but the rest of the team is struggling, which is why they rank 266th in the country in team 3-point shooting.

The Orange have surrendered more than 54 points in a game just once this season, and Oklahoma State has been solid on defense as well, giving up more than 63 points in just one of their five contests.

The Orange seem to thrive in lower-scoring affairs, and with the team turning the ball over nearly 2.7 fewer times than its foes this season, it should add up to a ’Cuse win and cover.

The play: Syracuse, -3.