Julian Edlow provides his preview, prediction, and pick for Thursday’s college basketball game between Seton Hall and Creighton.
Seton Hall vs. Creighton College Basketball prediction, preview
Seton Hall and Creighton split the regular season series, with the home team winning a tightly contested game each time. Both games came down to the final possession, with the Blue Jays winning the most recent contest at home last month by a point. Now the Pirates will look for some revenge in the Big East Tournament in their neck of the woods.
Creighton ended the regular season with a win and cover against Butler, but was dreadful down the stretch. Prior to the win, the Blue Jays were just 1-13 ATS in their last 14, and had lost eight of their last 11 outright. Meanwhile, Seton Hall has been tremendous playing away from home, going 12-2 ATS combined in road and neutral games this season.
The Pirates can be sluggish on offense at times, but hold large advantages on the glass and defensive side of the ball. Seton Hall’s calling card is on defense, where it ranks 13th in defensive efficiency on KenPom. Creighton ranks 100th in the same metric. The Pirates are also just inside the top-100 in the country in rebounding rate, while the Blue Jays are outside of the top-200.
Seton Hall is on the outside looking in at the NCAA Tournament, but the bubble teams have really been hurting themselves down the stretch this season. The Pirates need an impressive showing in the Big East Tournament for any consideration, and it starts with a win on Thursday afternoon. Seton Hall is 16-4 when priced as the favorite this season, and I’m expecting them to control this game against Creighton.
CBB Pick: Seton Hall -2.5 (-115)