Xavier is pulling out all the stops to get ready for March Madness.

Xavier vs Seton Hall NCAAB Lines Guide

Written by on February 27, 2016

After knocking off the No. 1 team in the nation, the fifth-ranked Xavier Musketeers will look to avoid an emotional letdown by beating the feisty Seton Hall Pirates in their Big East battle on Sunday. Now, let’s find out if Xavier cam stay hot or whether Seton Hall can pull off the huge college basketball betting upset.

How To Bet The No. 5 Xavier Musketeers vs. Seton Hall Pirates NCAAB Odds & TV Info

When: Sunday, February 28, 12:30 PM ET Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey TV Stream: FoxSportsGo NCAAB Odds: Xavier at -2

Why Bet The Xavier Musketeers

Xavier (25-3 SU, 19-10 ATS) has won four straight games and nine of their last 10 games including their thrilling 90-83 win over No. 1 Villanova on Wednesday as a 1.5-point home dog. Guards Edmond Sumner and J.P. Macura each scored 19 points to lead the Musketeers to lead Xavier to their first win over a No. 1-ranked opponent in 17 years and its first victory over Villanova since the two teams became members of the new Big East Conference. “I’ve been here for every loss we’ve had against ‘Nova,” said guard Myles Davis, who scored 16 points. “Of course that takes a toll on you.” More importantly, the Musketeers kept their hopes alive for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. “I still think we can get better,” Davis said. “We just go out there and play hard, whether it’s the No. 1 team in the country, whatever team it is.” The Musketeers average a stellar 80.4 points per game while allowing 69.0 points per contest defensively.

Why Bet The Seton Hall Pirates

The Pirates (20-7 SU, 18-8 ATS) have won three straight and seven of their last eight games including their resounding 70-52 win over Providence as a 5-point home favorite on Thursday night. Sophomore point guard Isaiah Whitehead scored a team-high 25 points and dished out nine assists to help the Pirates record their first 20-win season in four years while closing in on their first berth in the NCAA tournament in a decade. “He has a unique ability when he is playing the way he has been playing,” coach Kevin Willard said after Seton Hall improved to 20-7 overall and 10-5 in the Big East. “He makes everybody better but he makes it very simple for them. He’s been playing extremely well, seven of the last eight games, at an extremely high level, and that’s why we have been playing at a high level.” “It means everything,” Whitehead said. “When I first came here everyone expected me to lead the team to the tournament, and hopefully I will do it this year.” The Pirates average 73.5 points per game while allowing 66.0 points per contest defensively.
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Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction

These teams have split the last six meetings evenly, but Xavier took it to Seton Hall in their 84-76 home win on Jan. 23 despite failing to cash in as a 9-pont home favorite. This time around, I believe the Musketeers are going to get another ‘W’ by somewhere around the same margin as their first win this season. Xavier has won six of their last seven road games and has one of the most potent offenses in the country. Seton Hall is very solid this season and I believe they’re a bit underrated, particularly with a defense that gives up just 66.0 points per game. Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll be able to keep pace with a Musketeers team that has got to be very confident after knocking of Villanova the last time out. Xavier gets the win, but the ATS cover goes to Seton Hall. My final score prediction: Xavier 81 Seton Hall 77