Xavier vs Seton Hall Prediction 12-31-24 College Basketball Picks
Seton Hall (5-8) vs. Xavier (8-5)
December 31, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Xavier -9.5; Over/Under: +132.5
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In this article, we will formulate a Xavier vs Seton Hall prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 31st at the Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Xavier Musketeers Betting Preview
The Xavier Musketeers are 8-5 (0-2) this season after they lost to Marquette by a score of 72-70 in their last game. Xavier trailed 27-22 at halftime, but they did score 48 points in the second half in the loss. The Musketeers shot 46.2% from the field, 31.6% on three-pointers, and 80% on free throws in the game. Marcus Foster led Xavier with 16 points and three assists, while Jerome Hunter added 15 points and five rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Musketeers lost to UConn by a score of 94-89 and Cincinnati by a score of 68-65. Xavier has lost five of their last seven games, after winning their first six games of the year. Xavier has scored 79.6 points per game and they have allowed 69.3 points per game, while also averaging 35.9 rebounds and 17.5 assists per game this season. Ryan Conwell is averaging 16.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, while Dayvion McKnight is averaging 11.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this season. Xavier is shooting 46.9% from the field, 78.6% on free throws, and 40.1% on three-pointers this year.
Seton Hall Pirates Betting Preview
The Seton Hall Pirates are 5-8 (0-2) this year after they lost to Georgetown by a score of 61-60 in their last game. Seton Hall trailed 32-23 at halftime but did score 37 points in the second half and nearly came back for the win. The Pirates shot 29.9% from the field, 12.5% on three-pointers, and 73.9% on free throws in the game. Isaiah Coleman led Seton Hall with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Dylan Addae-Wusu added nine points and five rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Pirates lost three games in a row against Villanova, Rutgers, and Oklahoma State. Seton Hall has lost six of their last eight games, including two conference games against Georgetown and Villanova, and they are last in the Big East. Seton Hall has scored 60.8 points per game and they have allowed 61.5 points per game, while also averaging 34.5 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game this season. Isaiah Coleman is averaging 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while Chaunce Jenkins is averaging 11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this season. Seton Hall is shooting 39.7% from the field, 61.8% on free throws, and 33% on three-pointers this year. After this game, Seton Hall will take on the DePaul, Providence, Butler, and St. John’s.
Why Xavier will beat Seton Hall
- Xavier has won each of its last 11 day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Seton Hall has lost each of its last four games.
- Xavier has won the first half in each of its last eight day games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why Seton Hall Will Beat Xavier
- Xavier has lost six of its last seven day games against the Big East Conference.
- Xavier has lost the first half in six of its last seven day games against the Big East Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Xavier’s last 12 games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 138+ points.
- Eight of Seton Hall’s last nine games at Cintas Center have produced a total of 142+ points.
Xavier vs Seton Hall Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup after losing their first two conference games of the season, so they will be looking to pick up a much-needed win here. Xavier has played some tough competition recently and they have lost by just 2, 5 (OT), and 3 points against Marquette, UConn, and Cincinnati. Seton Hall has lost four games in a row against some mediocre competition.
The Pirates have been pretty low scoring this season, as they averaging just 60.8 points per game and they are shooting 39.7% from the field. On the other side, Xavier is scoring nearly 80 points per game and shooting 46.9% from the field. I do like how Xavier has played in their recent games, regardless of the results, but I am taking the under here, as Seton Hall continues to have issues scoring.
