Marquette vs Seton Hall
Since when is Marquette considered a defensive team, prone to low-scoring battles? Now they’re in the Big East, and all of a sudden they’re getting a total like this? I don’t really care who they are playing in that conference, this total is simply too low.
The Golden Hawks are scoring an average of 75.6 PPG for the season, and while this number takes a significant dip on the road (68.5 PPG), their relatively consistent free throw shooting (77%) should be seen as a bonus in an over situation as Seton Hall is averaging more than 20 PF’s per game over their last 5. Further strengthening the over call here is the fact that Marquette is such a well balanced team. While their leader is undeniably Steve Novak, they have 2 other starters averaging double figures, and a fourth averaging 9.5….thus, this is clearly not a one man team, and they even have a bench who kicks in its fair share as well. Oh yeah, I almost forgot…they lit UConn up for 94 points!
On the other side of the ball, I see absolutely nothing in Marquette’s “D” that warrants anything but an over here. While one might see their season average of 65.9PPG allowed as more than respectable, you really need to consider that this average remains to be held down by a 40 they spotted the Lewis Flyers (WHO???), a 48 against both San Fran and Delaware State, and 52 against South Dakota State. Also keep in mind that these visibly stellar performances came at home. On the road, the Eagle’s D is an entirely different story, as they are giving up 80.5 PPG.
As far as Seton Hall goes, I’ll start with their D. Much like Marquette’s overall numbers, the Pirates D really is not as good as the numbers might lead one to believe. Sure their overall average is just 61PPG, but let’s takes a minute to see where this number is actually coming from: They gave up 60 to Richmond, 57 to Fairleigh-Dickinson, 45 to Monmouth, 44 to North Western, and finally – 46 to the power house of Morgan State. In the case of the Northwestern and Richmond game, Defense was obviously the word of the day…for the other three; a bad opponent is likely the best way to explain it.
Offensively, the Pirates are averaging a sound 66 PPG for the season, and more than 70PPG at home….numbers that are obviously bolstered by their impressive rebounding margin of +8. While they certainly are not as balanced as Marquette, they still have 3 starters combining for roughly 40PPG, and a bench the spreads the scoring out well enough……while the Seton Hall “O” might be the only liability for this bet, I just can’t see them not being able to score on a team like Marquette.
If I had to pick a winner here, I’d take Marquette…..but either way, the losing team scores no less than 65 IMO, so I can’t really do worse than a push.
Lean
Over 133 |