The No. 19 Seton Hall Pirates (15-4, 4-2 Big East) welcome the No. 11 Xavier Musketeers (17-3, 5-2 Big East) to Prudential Center as they try to prolong their nine-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Seton Hall Pirates Free Prediction
In the Musketeers’ last outing, they topped the St. John’s Red Storm, 88-82. The Musketeers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.6, had an extraordinary mark of 37.0, while the Red Storm had a free throw rate of 0.109 (below their season average of 0.229). Kerem Kanter fueled Xavier with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
The Pirates lost to the Creighton Bluejays in their last game, 80-63. Creighton’s 0.608 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Seton Hall, who had a mark of 0.444. The Bluejays’ mark was above their season average of 0.594, while the Pirates’ was below their season average of 0.537. With 19 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Myles Powell led Seton Hall in scoring.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams face off. The Pirates rank 23rd in offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 percent), while Xavier ranks 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.8 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Pirates won 71-64. The Pirates had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 18.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.365 vs. 0.240).
Xavier Musketeers at Seton Hall Pirates Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Seton Hall ranks 124th in three pointers allowed per game (21.6) while Xavier ranks 264th (25.9).
The Pirates rank 46th in assists per game (16.2) while the Musketeers rank 136th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
Seton Hall averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 80th in the nation. Xavier ranks 143rd in steals allowed per game (7.1).
The Musketeers rank 28th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Pirates rank 87th (33.7).
Seton Hall averages 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 71st in the nation. Xavier ranks 129th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 11.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
