Creighton vs Seton Hall: Betting Odds, Picks, and Predictions (2/4/22)

Creighton vs Seton Hall Betting Odds

Creighton has hopped right back into the tournament conversation following a road win over UConn. The young Bluejays are feisty and not a team to be messed with.

Meanwhile, Seton Hall is reeling. After a red-hot non-conference season, the Pirates have lost six of their last 10 contests. The Pirates now sit at 4-6 in Big East play.

However, Seton Hall is still firmly on the inside looking out, with ESPN’s bracketology projecting them having a 10-seed.

So, which team does this game mean more to?

And, is a four-point spread too large for a Big East game of this caliber?

Creighton Bluejays Odds

Creighton hasn’t been the most consistent team in college hoops, but I chalk that up to their inexperience. The Bluejays’ 1.32 average years of experience ranks 312th among D-I teams.

However, I love this version of the Bluejays.

After years of relying on Marcus Zegarowski and the 3-point shot, coach Greg McDermott has changed his style to fit his personnel.

Specifically, the Bluejays are ruthlessly efficient on the interior. Creighton ranks 42nd in 2-point shooting (54.2%) and eighth in 2-point defense (42.3%).

Ryan Hawkins and Ryan Kalkbrenner anchor the Bluejays. The two combine for 24.8 points and 14.6 rebounds per game on a team that ranks in the 83rd percentile in paint points per game. And given Kalkbrenner stands 7-foot-1, the Bluejays have plenty of interior length.

If Ryan Nembhard can live up to his potential, the sky is the limit. Unfortunately, Nembhard turns the ball over too much and has an ORtg below 90. Nembhard is dishing out assists at a high rate, but the freshman needs to develop his all-around game.

But, as mentioned, Creighton’s strength is interior offense and defense. Coach McDermott has emphasized those strengths and limited Nembhard’s weaknesses.

I don’t think the ceiling for this version of the Bluejays is high, but the future is bright in Omaha.

Seton Hall Pirates Odds

There is a lot to like about Seton Hall. But things have been trending directly downwards for the Pirates.

Specifically on the offense. Seton Hall hasn’t scored over 1.00 points per possession in a game in four straight games, shooting abysmally during that stretch.

But I think teams have keyed in on Seton Hall’s weakness. The Pirates are sub-275 in both 3-point shooting (31.5%) and spot-up points per possession (.836).

The Pirates are lengthy, imposing, and love to play on the interior. But if you can pack it in and fight them in that area, you can beat Seton Hall.

So far, teams have been doing just that.

Creighton vs Seton Hall Prediction and Pick

My pick: Creighton +3 or better

The Bluejays are going to take advantage of Seton Hall. Because the Bluejays can outplay them on the interior.

Seton Hall relies on interior length and strength to beat teams. But Creighton can match up with Seton Hall and have been more efficient on the interior – both offensively and defensively.

Moreover, this Creighton team has been undervalued all season. The Bluejays are now 6-3 against the spread as underdogs, and they’re catching more-than-enough points in this spot.

Especially against a Seton Hall team that’s 2-8 against the spread in its last 10 games.

I love the Bluejays in this spot and would play them down to +3.