Creighton vs Seton Hall: Expert Predictions, Picks, and Odds for Upcoming Game

The Creighton Bluejays are set to face the Seton Hall Pirates in a key college basketball matchup on Sunday, January 4, tipping off at 12 p.m. ET in Newark, New Jersey. This contest will be broadcast on Peacock, offering fans convenient access to watch the game live.

Seton Hall enters the game as a 3.5-point favorite, with sportsbooks listing their moneyline at -184. The over/under total for the game is established at 140.5 points, suggesting expectations of a moderately paced and defensively oriented battle.

Current Odds and Betting Lines

These odds indicate that sportsbooks anticipate Seton Hall leveraging its home advantage and defensive strengths to maintain control. However, the betting market offers value considerations, particularly on the under.

Defensive Dynamics and Recent Form

Creighton has improved defensively, winning its last four games after struggling against Nebraska and Kansas State. The Bluejays have restricted most recent opponents to under 1.00 points per possession and rank 46th nationally in defensive efficiency since late December. They have been especially effective defending the paint, allowing only 46% shooting inside the arc.

Key contributors on defense include Josh Dix, who not only provides scoring but also serves as a primary defender on Seton Hall’s agile guard Adam "Budd" Clark. Creighton’s lineup emphasizes shooters like Austin Swartz and Isaac Traudt, but the team’s success hinges on defensive stops and perimeter shooting to overcome Seton Hall’s pressure.

Seton Hall boasts one of the nation’s elite defenses, ranked 12th in defensive efficiency and known for applying relentless pressure. The Pirates force a high turnover rate of 23%, among the top 10 nationally, by staying in front of ball handlers and disrupting offenses. They also limit opponents to just 42.8% shooting inside the arc, ranking 13th nationally.

Stephon Payne anchors the Pirates’ rebounding efforts, particularly after some early struggles, recording double-digit rebounds in all recent league contests. Despite their defensive prowess, Seton Hall struggles offensively, ranking 117th in offensive efficiency with middling shooting percentages both inside and from deep.

Offensive Challenges and Key Players

Seton Hall’s offense relies heavily on veteran guards AJ Staton-McCray and Tajuan Simpkins, the only two averaging double-digit points. Adam "Budd" Clark’s playmaking ability inside the lane will be critical for the Pirates’ scoring opportunities. Without efficient scoring beyond forced turnovers, Seton Hall often finds itself in close contests.

Creighton’s offense depends greatly on shooting from distance, with nearly half of their field goal attempts coming from three-point range. Maintaining a 35% accuracy clip from beyond the arc is necessary for the Bluejays to stay competitive, especially on the road.

Game Tempo and Scoring Outlook

Both teams play at a slow pace, with Creighton ranked 222nd and Seton Hall at 275th in adjusted tempo. The low tempo, combined with Creighton’s ability to limit turnovers, will likely result in half-court sets rather than fast-break opportunities for Seton Hall.

This matchup’s style favors a lower scoring game, supporting an under bet on the 140.5 total. The defensive strengths and limited offensive firepower on both sides set the stage for a tight, grind-it-out contest.

Key Betting Pick

• Bet the under 140.5 points, with a projection around 136.5 total points scored.

This pick is supported by both teams’ defensive efficiency and slower tempo, as well as Seton Hall’s offensive inconsistencies and Creighton’s recent defensive improvements. While Creighton’s three-point shooting poses a threat, overall defensive pressure suggests scoring will be contained.

Sunday’s Creighton versus Seton Hall game presents a fascinating clash of defensive strategies and efficiency. Monitoring how the Pirates manage offensive production against Creighton’s improved defense will be decisive in determining the outcome. Fans and bettors alike should watch for these key battles on the floor as the teams work to assert control in this critical Big East conference matchup.