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UConn vs Seton Hall Picks and Odds

John Hyslop

by John Hyslop in College Basketball

Updated Mar 2, 2021 · 5:59 PM PST

James Bouknight laying a ball up at the rim
Connecticut guard James Bouknight, center, is fouled by Marquette guard Greg Elliott, right, in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, in Storrs, Conn. (David Butler II/Pool Photo via AP)
  • The Connecticut Huskies (12-6, 9-6 Big East) battle the Seton Hall Pirates (13-10, 10-7 Big East) on Wednesday night
  • Seton Hall has lost two straight while Connecticut has won their last two games
  • See the odds, spread, analysis, and best bet, below

The Connecticut Huskies look to stay on track when they visit the Seton Hall Pirates at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey Wednesday (6:30pm ET).

This series has been a toss up in recent years, splitting their last four meetings. The Pirates won the last one 80-73 last month, easily covering the one-point spread. Current odds are showing Seton Hall being favored by one point in this matchup.

Connecticut vs Seton Hall Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Connecticut Huskies +1 (-110) +100 Ov 136 (-110)
Seton Hall Pirates -1 (-110) -118 Un 136 (-110)

Odds as of March 2nd at FanDuel

The Huskies have really turned things around after getting James Bouknight back from injury. In Connecticut’s latest win over Marquette, Bouknight poured in 24 points, marking the third time in three games he has scored at least 20 points.

Seton Hall has hit rough patch, dropping their last two games. In their 61-52 loss last Wednesday to Butler, they failed to score more than 26 points in either half.

Connecticut is Confident

Bouknight’s return has completely altered the Connecticut season. They were an afterthought in the Big East but after seeing UConn in action since his return, they look like a team that could disrupt the Big East Tournament. Bouknight was joined by teammate RJ Cole in the 20-point club in their last outing, an 80-62 win over Marquette.

The Huskies imposed their will over the Golden Eagles in the first half, jumping out a 38-21 lead at halftime. Marquette had scored more than 40 points in the first half of in each of their two previous games. Connecticut won the turnover battle 14-7, causing the game to never be close in the second half.

Seton Hall Sluggish on Offense

The Pirates’ offense has not been a problem all season. In fact, they have the 31st most efficient offense in the country (adjusted for opponent) according to KenPom. In the last three games that offense has regressed from 1.028 points per possession all the way down to .909. If it wasn’t for their defense against the Butler Bulldogs, they would have been blown out last Wednesday.

Butler looked to be running away with the game in the first half until the Pirates shut them down in the final five minutes. Seton Hall actually went into the locker rooms with a two-point lead at the half. The second half was a different story, as again the Pirates couldn’t seem to get anything going offensively. They ended up shooting 38% from the floor and an insane 29% from the free-throw line, crushing any hope of stealing a win.

Best Betting Angle

There is no doubt Bouknight has sparked the Huskies team in his return. Anytime a player averages over 20 points and six rebounds per game, their presence is noticeable. But it’s not just what Bouknight contributes to the box score that has field Connecticut’s recent surge. He’s opening up the floor for other players who are taking advantage of the opportunity.

While the Connecticut offense has been more efficient, their defense has taken greater strides in the right direction. Over the past four games, they have yet to give up more than 68 points and that was to Villanova. Given the snail’s pace that both teams play, combined with the constant defensive pressure, this game will have a hard time crossing over the posted total. The under is a logical outcome on senior night at Seton Hall.

The pick: Under 136 (-110)

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