The 2022-23 college basketball season is in midseason form, and we get some exciting matchups in the middle of conference play. Below is my favorite bet for Saturday’s slate. Let’s have some fun.

 

Marquette vs. Seton Hall

(Line: Marquette -1.5, DraftKings Sportsbook)

Seton Hall is riding a hot streak, winners of four straight in Big East play, including a huge home win against UConn Wednesday. The Pirates have seen their KenPom ranking jump up to No. 50 nationally, which now puts them in sell-high territory. In steps fast past-paced offensive juggernaut Marquette, who rank 87th nationally in tempo and first in offensive efficiency. As we saw in Seton Hall’s earlier matchup with Iowa this season where they lost by 16 points, the Pirates’ sloppy offense (292nd in the country in offensive turnover percentage) and lack of offensive firepower couldn’t keep up with Iowa’s transition attack. Where Seton Hall thrives is through their length and physicality defensively, yet Marquette’s crafty offense with elite dribble penetration into the paint, floor spacing and ball movement can combat that. The Pirates should have some success at the rim and on the glass through Tyrese Samuel and KC Ndefo, but Tyler Kolek and Co. won’t be stopped, and I can’t see Seton Hall keeping up in this game. Shaka Smart has done an amazing job with this roster this season and their success should continue here in Newark against an inconsistent Pirates squad (who lack a significant home court advantage).

The Pick

Marquette -1.5