Seton Hall Pirates vs Xavier Musketeers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/31/24
The Pirates and Musketeers are set to face off at 2:00 ET on PEAC. The Musketeers will host the game at Cintas Center in Cincinnati, OH. The over/under for this game is set at 131.5 points, and Xavier is favored by -9.5 vs. Seton Hall in a Big East conference matchup.
SETON HALL PIRATES VS XAVIER MUSKETEERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Seton Hall Pirates +9.5
This game will be played at Cintas Center at 2:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st.
WHY BET THE SETON HALL PIRATES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Musketeers.
- Even though we have Xavier winning straight-up, we like Seton Hall at +9.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 131.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
No Pressure for Seton Hall as Away Dogs
Seton Hall Pirates Recent Game/Games
Seton Hall fell to 5-8 on the season after a narrow 61-60 home loss to Georgetown on Sunday. The Pirates entered the game as +1.5 point underdogs and managed to cover the spread, but couldn’t pull off the win.
After trailing 32-23 at halftime, Seton Hall rallied in the second half, outscoring Georgetown 37-29. The game’s total points of 121 fell short of the 129.5 O/U line.
Seton Hall struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 29.9% from the field and 12.5% from three-point range, hitting only 3 of 24 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 32.8%, and they managed just 8 assists as a team.
Isaiah Coleman led the way with 25 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 8 of 20 from the field. Thomas Sorber added 19 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 8 of 12 shots. The Pirates grabbed 22 offensive rebounds and shot 73.9% from the free-throw line, making 17 of 23 attempts.
Seton Hall’s defense was dominant, holding their opponent to just 61 points on 29% shooting from the field. The Pirates were particularly effective in defending the three-point line, where they limited their opponent to just 3 made threes on 24 attempts, a 12% success rate.
Inside the arc, Seton Hall allowed 17 two-point baskets on 43 attempts, with their opponent shooting 39%. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 23 times, where they converted 17 free throws for a 73% rate. The Pirates gave up 22 offensive rebounds.
Can the Xavier Offense Score Enough at Home?
Xavier Musketeers Recent Game/Games
Xavier dropped to 8-5 on the season after a narrow 72-70 loss to Marquette on Saturday. The Musketeers, who were +4 underdogs, managed to cover the spread but couldn’t pull off the upset at home.
Despite trailing 27-22 at halftime, Xavier put up 48 points in the 2nd half while allowing 45. The game’s total points of 142 fell short of the 152.5 O/U line.
Xavier’s offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 46.2% from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.9%, and they hit 80% of their free throws, going 16-for-20 from the line.
Kam Jones led the way with 20 points and 8 assists, despite going 0-for-3 from deep. David Joplin added 19 points, and Marcus Foster connected on 3-of-7 threes, finishing with 16 points. Jerome Hunter and Dayvion McKnight were efficient, shooting 75% and 71.4% from the field, respectively.
Defensively, Xavier allowed 72 points, with their opponents shooting 46% from the field. The Musketeers gave up 18 two-point baskets on 33 attempts, a 54% success rate for the other team.
From beyond the arc, Xavier’s defense held their opponents to 6 made threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting performance. They also sent the other team to the line 20 times, where they hit 16 free throws, an 80% rate. Xavier allowed 6 offensive rebounds in the game.