Creighton is in the midst of one of the most confusing seasons that can be credited to a lot of poor shooting variance.
The Bluejays were a trending choice to cut the nets in this season’s NCAA Tournament before the season, but the team was mired in a nearly month-long slump that saw them go 6-6 on the year. . The team is now 12-8 on the year and a close top-10 team according to KenPom. Can Creighton get his revenge and score a big win against Xavier at home?
The Musketeers are fresh off a win against UConn on the road, can they compile another win to build their resume in hopes of challenging for a surprising No. 1 spot on Draft Sunday?
Here are the odds for Saturday’s game:
Xavier vs Creighton – odds, spread and total
Xavier vs Creighton: Predictions and Player Picks
Creighton failed to beat Xavier the first time around on Jan. 11, losing 90-87, but I’m loving this Saturday afternoon game as the Bluejays defense is key in this game.
They are two of the best attacks in the country, there is no doubt about it. Creighton has a devastating attack on the perimeter that has helped create a top-30 offense in field success percentage, while Xavier uses his two big men, Zach Freemantle and Jack Nunge, to open the field to players like Colby Jones and Souley Boom.
Xavier doesn’t take many three-point shots but they are lethal from beyond the arc, hitting over 40% of their three-point shots despite having a three-point shooting rate below 40. However, that will be the problem Saturday, as Creighton’s home defense is the best in the nation and can deprive the Musketeers of their main offense. According to Haslametrics, center Ryan Kalkbrenner and the Bluejays defense are in the top 20 for edge-of-the-basket shot defense.
Sean Miller’s side were a real terror on offense and just knocked out UConn on the road, but I can’t see the three-point shot moving on Saturday and the Bluejays outplaying Xavier to get a home win they have much needed.
Pronostic : Creighton -3.5
