Seton Hall vs Xavier Odds, Pick
| Seton Hall Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 146.5 -115o / -105u | +145 |
| Xavier Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 146.5 -115o / -105u | -175 |
Below, we have Seton Hall vs Xavier odds and a pick for Saturday.
Big East play continues on Saturday when Seton Hall heads to Cincinnati, Ohio, to take on the Xavier Musketeers. It's gut check time for Sean Miller's squad, as it's now lost four of its last six games.
On the Seton Hall side of things, Shaheen Holloway's team appears to have turned a corner. The Pirates picked up a marquee win at home against UConn earlier this week, controlling the game for the entire second half and ultimately pulling away for a 15-point win.
Kadary Richmond was brilliant in that game, finishing with 23 points and five assists. Richmond has the upside to be one of the best guards in the entire Big East.
Home court advantage always plays a big role once you get to conference play. Last season, Xavier lost just one game at the Cintas Center in Big East play.
With its backs against the wall, I expect a desperate performance from a Xavier team that needs to turn its season around quickly.
Seton Hall Pirates
Seton Hall enters this one with an 8-4 record on the year. The Pirates are ranked 68th on KenPom, which is actually 13 spots lower than Xavier, despite owning the better record.
Seton Hall's offense gets most of its work done near the basket. The Pirates make 54% of their shots from inside, good for 64th in the country.
From 3-point range, it's a different story, as the Pirates make just 30% of their shots.
They also attack the offensive boards relentlessly. Seton Hall rebounds 38% of its missed shots, which ranks eighth in the country.
If Seton Hall can find success down low in this game, it'll like its chances.
Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is much stronger defensively than offensively. The Musketeers rank 35th in the sport in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency. Miller's team likes to play fast, ranking 53rd in tempo offensively.
The Musketeers' defense does a good job of limiting 3-point attempts, but they do a good job protecting the rim as well. Opposing offenses are making just 45% of their shots from 2-point range, which is well below Seton Hall's average this season.
Quincy Olivari has emerged as the best offensive option for Xavier, scoring in double figures in nine consecutive games heading into this contest. He's averaging 24 points a night over his last four games, and he'll be the best scoring threat in this game on either roster.
While home court is always a big factor in Big East play, it's important to note that Xavier hasn't been great in its own gym thus far this season. The Musketeers are just 5-3 at home, with losses to Oakland and Delaware on their resume.
Seton Hall vs. Xavier
Betting Pick & Prediction
KenPom marks Xavier as a five-point favorite in this game, and this seems like a good spot to back the Musketeers to get right.
While Seton Hall has an impressive string of consecutive wins, we've also seen it struggle against lesser opponents (loss to Rutgers) and get blown out on the road (18-point loss in its only true road game at Baylor).
Back Xavier to win and cover.
Pick: Xavier -4.5
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