A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Xavier Musketeers (12-3, 1-1 Big East) when they go head-to-head against the Seton Hall Pirates (10-4, 2-0 Big East) at Cintas Center. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Seton Hall Pirates at Xavier Musketeers ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Musketeers defeated the St. John’s Red Storm 75-67, while the Pirates beat the Georgetown Hoyas 78-62.
The Pirates made 19 of their 24 free throws (79.2 percent) and held the Hoyas to an effective field goal percentage of 0.379 (below their season average of 0.516). The Musketeers, on the other hand, had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.423 (above their season average of 0.217) and held the Red Storm to an effective field goal percentage of 0.355 (below their season average of 0.468). Tyrique Jones fueled Xavier with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Seton Hall was led by Quincy McKnight, who put up 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent matchup, the Musketeers won 70-69. Xavier’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Seton Hall. The Musketeers had a rate of 0.535 while the Pirates posted a mark of 0.462. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
This battle figures to be low-scoring as two of the nation’s premier defenses go head-to-head. Xavier ranks 41st in defensive efficiency (89.8) and Seton Hall is 37th (89.6).
Seton Hall Pirates at Xavier Musketeers Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Seton Hall, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Xavier ranks 41st in rebounds per game (39.9) while Seton Hall ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
- The Pirates are 34th in the country with 10.4 assists allowed per game while the Musketeers are 44th with 10.7 assists allowed per game.
- The Pirates rank 38th in steals per game (8.5) while the Musketeers rank 140th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- Xavier ranks 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Seton Hall ranks 134th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 8.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.8 points per game (4.4 below their season average).
