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Seton Hall Pirates vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
Seton Hall Pirates (9-1) host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-5) on Saturday night in Newark for the Garden State Hardwood Classic. Seton Hall looks to extend its strong start, while Rutgers seeks to rebound from a difficult stretch.
Line Movement and Odds
- Seton Hall Pirates Spread: -7.5
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights Spread: +7.5
- Seton Hall Pirates MoneyLine: -310
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights MoneyLine: +245
- Total: 138.5
Seton Hall opened as a solid favorite, reflecting their 9-1 record and defensive resurgence. Rutgers’ struggles against elite competition have kept the line wide, though rivalry intensity often narrows margins. The total of 138.5 points suggests expectations for a moderately paced contest, with Seton Hall’s defense and Rutgers’ inconsistent offense shaping projections. See updated numbers and market shifts on the College Basketball Odds page.
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Matchup Breakdown
Seton Hall Pirates Outlook
The Pirates defeated Kansas State 78-67, forcing 16 turnovers and holding PJ Haggerty to just 11 points. AJ Staton-McCray leads with 13.9 points per game, while Elijah Fisher adds balance with scoring and rebounding. Tajuan Simpkins provides a spark off the bench, averaging 11.2 points and shooting 48.1% from three. Coach Shaheen Holloway emphasized defense and energy, noting the team’s reborn identity after surpassing last year’s win total. Seton Hall averages 74.8 points per game and thrives on forcing mistakes.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Outlook
The Scarlet Knights have lost five of their last six, including blowouts to Tennessee, Purdue, and Michigan. Dylan Grant leads with 14.9 points per game, while Jamichael Davis adds 8.5 points and 3.0 assists. Rutgers averages 68.2 points per game but has struggled defensively against top-tier opponents. Coach Steve Pikiell emphasized the rivalry’s importance, noting the team’s need to regain confidence. Rutgers has won the last two meetings, including last year’s buzzer-beater by Dylan Harper, now in the NBA.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
Seton Hall’s defensive pressure versus Rutgers’ ability to generate consistent offense is the focal battle. The Pirates must continue forcing turnovers and limiting Grant’s scoring, while the Scarlet Knights rely on discipline and balanced play to stay competitive.
Injuries / Availability
Seton Hall: Full roster available.
Rutgers: Full roster available.
Betting Trends
- Seton Hall is 9-1 overall, already surpassing last year’s win total.
- The Pirates forced 16 turnovers in their win over Kansas State.
- Rutgers has lost five of its last six games.
- The Scarlet Knights have won the last two rivalry matchups.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Seton Hall 72, Rutgers 63
- Pick: Seton Hall -7.5. The Pirates’ defense and balanced scoring should carry them to victory.
- Total: Under 138.5. Rutgers’ offensive struggles point to a lower-scoring rivalry game.
Expect Seton Hall to continue its strong start, using defense and depth to end Rutgers’ recent streak in the rivalry.
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