Multiple times each week, The Gaming Juice’s resident action seeker, Brad Evans, will attempt to blast the ‘books with his favorite selections on sides, totals, props, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — but that’s up to you.
Sledgehammer Special — SGP: Seton Hall ML, UNDER 151.5 (+105, MGM)
The storied history. The priestly rivalries. And, most recently, known for a coach who publicly threw every last member of his team under the bus, driving over them multiple times, only to recant his “unathletic” statements via an apology days later. Nice mental gymnastics, Rick Pitino.
Ah, the Big East.
The conference produced a national champion last year and will yield multiple NCAA Tournament bids this year. But how many teams will polish their dancing shoes? That is the $64,000 question.
In the No. 11-seed logjam of the Bracket Big Board, Seton Hall and Butler are fighting for position. Both own resumes with quality characteristics. Both sport sickly components, eyesores that are sure to raise voices in heated debates inside the Selection Committee room. Suffice it to say, the Pirates and Bulldogs could use another swaying victory or three to bolster their at-large chances.
Saturday night’s clash inside the Prudential Center is slightly meaningful. This bettor’s tequila is already poured.
Seton Hall’s basketball brand isn’t exactly must-see TV. Rather slow and calculated in their execution, the Pirates earn their rum on defense. Over the past 30 days, they’re No. 58 in eFG D nationally, surrendering 47.9% on 2-pointers and a mere 30.8% on 3-pointers. Those guarding efforts, especially at home, are outstanding. However, even to the Captain Jack Sparrows in attendance, Seton Hall’s offense leaves much to be desired.
Since late January, the Pirates have lived in Davy Jones’ locker, ranking No. 294 in eFG offense. While they’ve made easy 2s on occasion, they’ve netted a lowly 28.0% from distance, and that seasickness in scoring the basketball has left backers equally queasy. Shaheen Holloway’s big three of Kadary Richmond, Al-Amir Dawes and Dre Davis need to bring the noise.
As for Butler, it’s a team capable of playing at variable speeds. However, it relishes a brisker tempo (No. 102 adjusted tempo over last 30 days). In its last nine games, Thad Matta’s bunch has shot 52.1% inside the arc and 36.1% outside of it. It’s also a plus team sealing off the defensive glass, which is key against the second-chance-grabbing Hall (No. 8 nationally in OR% at home).
Conversely, the Bulldogs have pooped their fur on defense. Since January 24, they rank No. 280 in eFG D, yielding 52.2% from 2 and 34.4% from 3. They must protect the paint to hang tough. On the season, 57.0% of Seton Hall’s points come at or near the rim.
In a fairly high-scoring first matchup at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in January, Seton Hall secured a 78-72 road win. Richmond’s 24-12-5 line was spectacular. For the teams’ second go-round, this white-hot gambler is banking on more of the same, but in a lower-scoring square off.
Season record: 7-3, +4.48 units
BONUS TIME — Colorado State +1.5 at UNLV (-110, MGM)