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Seton Hall Pirates at Villanova Wildcats Game Preview, Odds, Picks & Predictions

Seton Hall eyeing its fourth win in a row after a tough stretch

Villanova is in the unfamiliar position of looking up at another team in the Big East standings with Providence currently alone in first place. The Wildcats have lost once at home and will look for their 10th home victory as they attempt to keep pace with the Friars.

The Wildcats have won their last three home games by double digits after Marquette handed the Big East’s preseason favorite their first home loss of the season.

Brandon Slater drives Seton Hall at Villanova
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images/AFP

Villanova (+200) has the second-best odds to win the Big East championship. The Wildcats (+500) have the 10th-best odds to reach the Final Four according to the odds to win March Madness.

Villanova’s Collin Gillespie has +5000 odds to be named the National Player of the Year.

Seton Hall Pirates at Villanova Wildcats

  • Game: Seton Hall (15-7) at Villanova (18-6)
  • Location: Wells Fargo Center
  • Day/Time: Saturday, February 12, 1 p.m. ET
  • Television: FOX

Aiken Sidelined for Seton Hall

Seton Hall guard Bryce Aiken hasn’t played since January 13 when he put up his third consecutive 20-point game with 28 against Marquette.

Although Aiken, who started his collegiate career at Harvard, was seen firing up some shots before the Pirates played Xavier leading some to think he could return to the lineup soon, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

“There’s no update,” Kevin Willard told the media. “He won’t be back Saturday, I don’t expect him back anytime soon. The human brain is a crazy thing, so he’s doing all the exercises, he’s doing everything he needs to do. He got hit really, really hard and it’s just taking him some time. I have no timetable on the injury. I have no idea. He could be back next Saturday or he might not be able to [come] back, I have no idea.”

Aiken was one of the best shooters in the Big East as he had six games with at least two 3-pointers. He also had a three-game stretch with 18 assists and only three turnovers.

Seton Hall lost three of the next four games without Aiken but the Pirates seem to have adjusted winning all three of their games in February including an upset No. 25 Xavier behind 25 points from Jaden Rhoden.

Seton Hall is 3-8-1 in its last 12 games against the college basketball spreads.

Villanova Dealing with Ankle Injuries

There were plenty of questions about Villanova’s starting backcourt of Gillespie and Justin Moore who missed practice time due to ankle injuries leading into a game at St. John’s.

Moore and Gillespie were a combined 4-of=15 from the floor with Gillespie failing to score in Villanova’s 75-69 victory. Gillespie did contribute 10 rebounds and two assists while Moore tied for the team lead with 16 points.

“I feel better,” Gillespie told the media on Friday. “It’s just day by day, getting treatment and trying to do whatever I can to get healthy.

“I’m about 75-80 (percent) right now but no excuses. I’m just trying to go out there to help the guys in whatever way possible. There’s no different approach to the game. Just trying to be aggressive, take what’s there play off of my jump shot, do all the little things and try to make sure we’re playing Villanova Basketball while leading those guys and holding everybody accountable.”

Moore is in better shape than Gillespie as evidenced by Moore playing 35 minutes against the Red Storm while Gillespie continues to be held out of practice with the hope that he’ll be able to play a significant role on Saturday.

The total established by the Las Vegas odds has gone over in six of Villanova’s last seven games against Seton Hall.

Head to Head

Villanova has won the last four meetings against Seton Hall with the Wildcats covering in three of those four games.

Each of the last seven games between the Pirates and Wildcats has been decided by eight points or less. The Wildcats won the first meeting of the season 73-67 on January 1 as a two-point favorite on the road.

Each of the last four games and six of the last seven contests finished over the total.

Prediction

Seton Hall has won just one of its last 18 games played on the road against Villanova so it will be hard to pick the Pirates to break the trend. The question fpr those who bet online is whether Seton Hall has enough to keep this game closer than the 9½-point line.

Although Seton Hall does seem to be playing better in the last few games, it will be hard to go against Villanova playing at home in a series the Wildcats has dominated.

The 134½-point total does seem a little on the low side.

Pick: Over 134½

Pick: Villanova -450

Pick: Seton Hall Pirates +9½ (-110)

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