Xavier vs Seton Hall Odds, Picks and Predictions: Musketeers Walk the Plank

The No. 16 Xavier Musketeers try to bounce back from an upset loss as they take on the Seton Hall Pirates in Big East action on Friday night.

Both schools have lost three of their last four games and the Pirates are barely on the bubble, needing to pick up some big wins down the stretch. Oddsmakers are expecting a close game with college basketball betting lines opening with the Musketeers as slim 1.5-point road favorites and the Over/Under at 140.5.

Here are my best free Xavier vs. Seton Hall college basketball picks for February 24. 

Xavier vs Seton Hall best odds

Xavier vs Seton Hall picks and predictions

Both of these teams have struggled lately, but this looks like more of a get-right spot for the Pirates, who are playing at home for the first time in 10 days and have enjoyed five days of rest since their previous game. 

The Pirates are in desperation mode if they want to make March Madness and their tough defensive style is a good match for the Musketeers' firepower on offense. 

While Seton Hall might be missing point guard Kadary Richmond (10.1 points, 2.0 steals, and a team-high 4.1 assists per game), Xavier will be playing without injured forward Zach Freemantle for the seventh straight game. 

Freemantle averages 15.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg while boasting an incredible 61.5 EFG% and the Musketeers have regressed on offense without him. 

Seton Hall head coach Shaheen Holloway has brought over the principles that made Saint Peter's the Cinderella of last year's March Madness. He uses a deep rotation and emphasizes hard-nosed defense with high energy and plenty of pressure.  

The Musketeers are at their best when they can run and gun, but they've had a tough time against physical teams this season and have shown a tendency to lose close games when they revert to isolation ball. Back a desperate Pirates squad on the moneyline at home. 

My best bet: Seton Hall moneyline (+105)

Xavier vs Seton Hall spread analysis

Xavier is coming off a disappointing 64-63 home loss on Tuesday to a Villanova squad that entered that contest below .500.

The Musketeers are still in a three-way tie for second place in the Big East with a 12-5 record but they have shown cracks over the last few weeks and have just one win in their last four contests.  

The Pirates are also 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS in their last four games. In their last contest, they lost 64-55 on the road against UConn on Saturday. 

The Musketeers are a high-scoring team that ranks 11th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. However, they also give up a ton of baskets on the other end and are 81st in adjusted defensive efficiency. 

Even without Freemantle, Xavier has plenty of scoring options with three other starters averaging more than 14 ppg. Souley Boum (16.3 ppg, 4.6 apg) and Colby Jones (14.5 ppg, 4.7 apg) make up a dangerous backcourt while center Jack Nunge (14.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg) is a force down low.

Seton Hall is the exact opposite of Xavier. The Pirates are 13th in adjusted defensive efficiency while ranking just 173rd on offense. Al-Amir Dawes leads the Pirates with 12.7 ppg and big man Tyrese Samuel is second in scoring with 10.9 ppg on 55.9 FG%. 

These teams clashed earlier this season with the Musketeers winning 73-70 at home. While that meeting happened before Christmas and Freemantle and Richmond both had massive games for their respective teams, there is one big takeaway from that contest.

The Musketeers are fourth in the country with a 39.4 3PT% but went just 5-20 from deep in that game. The Pirates hold opponents to just 29.8% shooting from long range with that number dropping to 25.8% in their last three games. If they're able to close down Xavier's outside shooters they'll be able to stay within striking distance again.

Xavier vs Seton Hall Over/Under analysis

Xavier is an up-tempo team that fills up the hoop on offense but is shaky on defense. Meanwhile, Seton Hall is a strong defensive team that struggles on offense and plays at a below-average pace.

While those polar opposite styles might make it tough to handicap the total, recent play from both sides indicates that the Under might be the play.

Seton Hall's offense had an even tougher time than usual against UConn last weekend with both Richmond and sixth-man Dre Davis (9.1 ppg) injured. If both are unable to suit up today that leaves just two Pirates who average more than 8.0 ppg in Dawes and Samuel. 

This is a Pirates team that averages just 67.8 ppg against Div 1 opponents but also limits foes to just 64.7 ppg. 

Xavier's offense has also taken a step back without the highly-efficient Freemantle and has scored fewer than 68 points in three of their last four games with the Under cashing in each contest.

Xavier vs Seton Hall betting trend to know

The Under is 17-8 in Seton Hall's last 25 home games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Xavier vs. Seton Hall.

Xavier vs Seton Hall game info

Xavier vs Seton Hall key injuries

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