Seton Hall vs Villanova Pick, Odds | College Basketball Betting Preview (Sunday, Feb. 11)
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) Pictured: Kadary Richmond
Seton Hall vs Villanova Odds
| Seton Hall Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 132.5 -110o / -110u | +195 |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 132.5 -110o / -110u | -240 |
Here's everything you need to know about Seton Hall vs. Villanova on Sunday, Feb. 11 — our expert prediction and college basketball betting preview for today.
Big East Basketball is back to its glory days in terms of tough, physical basketball. The old saying of "no blood, no foul" applies to the current Big East. Two of the more defensive-minded teams — the Villanova Wildcats and Seton Hall Pirates — meet on Super Bowl Sunday.
So, let's get to my pick for Seton Hall vs. Villanova.
Seton Hall is coming into Finneran Pavilion at 15-8 overall and 8-4 in Big East Play.
All season, two major problems have made me question Seton Hall's legitimacy. The Pirates turn the ball over 20% of the time (295th nationally) and can't shoot from 3. Also, it's not like Seton Hall tries shooting the ball much from 3. The Pirates attempt 3s on just 29% of their possessions, which is one of the lowest rates in college basketball.
Kadary Richmond masked a lot of the glaring issues with his bully-ball style from the point guard spot. He's a truly dominant player, but back issues have hampered him lately. Richmond returned to action against DePaul, but missed two games two weeks ago due to back problems.
Shaheen Holloway's teams at Saint Peter's were some of the best defensive teams in the MAAC. However, bringing the same style to Newark has been challenging as the Pirates rank just 67th in defensive efficiency.
The Pirates' two most important players, besides Richmond, are Dre Davis and Jaden Bediako. Davis has morphed into the team's second-leading scorer with an average of 14.3 points per game. He's also posted a double-double in consecutive games. Davis and Bediako also play vital roles in Seton Hall's dominant offensive rebounding presence (38% offensive rebounding percentage).
There's only one Jay Wright, and that's a cold, hard reality Villanova fans have learned in the past two years. The Wildcats missed the NCAA Tournament a season ago and will need a miracle to make it this season. It's not like the roster is lacking in the talent department, but the coaching just seems out of wack. Just look at the last game — Villanova failed to get a shot off against Xavier with 16 seconds left on the clock.
Villanova has lost six of its past seven games, so a win over Seton Hall will be vital. In order to turn the tide, the Wildcats need a reliable shooting performance from 3.
Justin Moore needs to be better than just another guy. A once-promising NBA-caliber player is now one of college basketball's least efficient players. Moore is shooting 37% from the field and 25% from deep, despite still earning regular starter minutes.
The biggest way Villanova could pull out the win is in a sluggish, defensive-focused battle. The Wildcats rank 26th in defensive efficiency and focus on slowing down the 2-point shot. Opponents shoot only 49% from 2 against Villanova.
Seton Hall vs Villanova
Betting Pick & Prediction
I would've loved snagging Villanova around -2 or -2.5, but the number is getting closer to -5, which is far too rich for my blood. I see this game ending on the final possession, one way or the other. Both teams play at a slow tempo and neither team blows out its opponent often. I expect a very tightly contested game for 40 minutes.
Pick: Seton Hall +4.5 (Play to +4)
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