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College Basketball Betting - Seton Hall Pirates vs. UConn Huskies

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As we enter the New Year, conference play is most definitely underway, and with it, some exciting action. No team is more desperate for a conference win coming into this week than the Seton Hall Pirates, who currently sit at 0-2 in the Big East, and have lost four of their last five overall.

For the Pirates, the problem all season hasn’t been on the offensive end, but defensively. They currently allow an average of 73 points per game, which ranks 266th in college basketball. And against the cream of the Big East, that won’t get it done. In two of their last three losses, they’ve allowed at least 90 points.

Here are some NCAA Basketball Betting Trends Which May Impact This Game:

  • Seton Hall: 0-3 ATS in their last 3 games
  • Seton Hall: 1-1 ATS on the road
  • Seton Hall: Total has gone UNDER in 4 of 6 games

  • UConn: 3-0 ATS in their last 3 games
  • UConn: Total has gone OVER in last 3 games
  • UConn: 3-6 ATS overall at home

On offense however, Seton Hall is as explosive as any team in the conference, and virtually as explosive as any team nationally. They currently average 87 points per game, which ranks third in all of college basketball betting. Leading the way is guard Jeremy Hazell, the Big East’s second leading scorer at 23.3 points per game. Joining him down low, is Herb Pope, a New Mexico State transfer, who has emerged as one of the Big East’s top rebounders. On the year, he’s averaging almost 12 boards a game to go with 13 points as well.

As for UConn, this season, they’ll go as far as their “big three,” of Jerome Dyson, Stanley Robinson and Kemba Walker takes them. On the year, the three are all averaging double-figures, combining for 50 points per game. Dyson is truly one of the most versatile player’s in college basketball, as he is also chipping in 5.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Walker is actually this team’s leading distributor, dishing out over six assists a contest.

Defensively, UConn is again one of college basketball’s best teams, a trademark of any Jim Calhoun coached team. They allow opponents to shoot just 37 percent from the field, which ranks them 12th nationally. However, they do give up over 64 points per game, which likely has to do with the fast pace in which they play.

As we mentioned earlier, Seton Hall is desperate for a win, but it won’t come easy. The problem for Seton Hall, is that in many recent games, they’ve tried to outscore opponents, and their defense has suffered. If they try that against UConn, the Huskies will likely run them out of the gym.

UConn is one of the most athletic and talented teams in college basketball, and should have no problem going score for score with the Hall. Seton Hall’s only chance is to slow this game down, and try to play it in the 50’s or 60’s. UConn is a very vulnerable team in the half court, and that is where the Pirates need to take advantage.

Even still, it’s hard to see UConn losing this game. They’ve struggled at times, but played maybe their most complete game of the season Saturday, beating Notre Dame 82-70. If they show up ready to play, this one likely won’t be much closer.