Offense meets defense when the No. 25 Creighton Bluejays (10-2) visit Seton Hall to take on the No. 23 Pirates (11-2). The game is scheduled to get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, 2017.
Seton Hall is a 4-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 161.5 points.
Creighton Bluejays vs. Seton Hall Pirates ATS Prediction
In the Bluejays’ last contest, they blew out the USC Upstate Spartans, 116-62. The Bluejays knocked down 13 of their 15 free throws (86.7 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.792 (above their season average of 0.591). Creighton was led by Marcus Foster, who was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 6-for-7 shooting.
The Pirates defeated the Manhattan Jaspers in their last outing, 74-62. The Pirates had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.389 (above their season average of 0.219) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 36.6). Angel Delgado led Seton Hall in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Pirates rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.6 percent), while Creighton ranks fourth in defensive rebounding percentage (78.8 percent). Also, the seventh-ranked offense of the Bluejays (offensive efficiency of 123.3) will face off against the 51st-ranked defense of the Pirates (defensive efficiency of 94.3).
Creighton comes into the game with records of 10-2 straight up (SU) and 7-4 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Bluejays have a tendency to go over the projected point total (72.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Seton Hall owns records of 11-2 SU and 6-7 ATS. Coinciding with Creighton, Pirates games also tend to go over the total (63.6 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Foster (22.0 points) has been great for the Bluejays while Delgado (13.6 rebounds and 12.8 points) has made great contributions to the Pirates.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Pirates won 87-81. The Pirates knocked down 28 of their 39 free throws (71.8 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 18.9).
Creighton Bluejays at Seton Hall Pirates Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Seton Hall, ATS Winner – Creighton, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Creighton is 2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
At home, Seton Hall is 3-5 ATS with 4 overs and 2 unders.
Creighton ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.2) while Seton Hall ranks 218th (19.0).
The Pirates rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Bluejays rank 142nd (13.8).
Creighton averages 40.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. Seton Hall ranks 62nd in rebounds allowed per game (32.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Creighton is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Seton Hall is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bluejays’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 33.4, up from 20.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
