The Xavier Musketeers (12-3, 1-1 Big East) welcome the Seton Hall Pirates (10-4, 2-0 Big East) to Cintas Center as they try to extend their five-game home winning streak. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Seton Hall Pirates vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Prediction
The Pirates will be looking for similar success after defeating the Georgetown Hoyas in their last matchup, 78-62. Seton Hall’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Georgetown. The Pirates had a rate of 0.352 (above their season average of 0.230), while the Hoyas posted a mark of 0.129 (below their season average of 0.279). Quincy McKnight was a key piece for Seton Hall with 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds.
In the Musketeers’ last matchup, they defeated the St. John’s Red Storm, 75-67. The Musketeers 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). With 12 points and 12 rebounds, Xavier’s Tyrique Jones played well.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, the Musketeers won 70-69. The Musketeers had a better effective field goal percentage (0.535 vs. 0.462) and had a better free throw rate (0.158 vs. 0.138).
Points could be at a premium as a pair of the NCAA’s top defenses face off. Xavier currently ranks 41st in defensive efficiency (89.8) and Seton Hall is 37th (89.6).
Seton Hall at Xavier Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Xavier ranks 41st in rebounds per game (39.9) while Seton Hall ranks 215th in rebounds allowed per game (37.4).
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).
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’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 10.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (2.8 above their season average).
