Offense meets defense when the Creighton Bluejays (10-5, 1-1 Big East) welcome the No. 21 Marquette Golden Eagles (12-3, 1-1 Big East) to Chi Health Center Omaha. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Marquette Golden Eagles at Creighton Bluejays ATS Prediction
The Golden Eagles will be hoping for a similar result after dismantling the UMBC Retrievers in their last game, 67-42. The Golden Eagles had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.274) and had a better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.129). Marquette rallied around Markus Howard, who put up 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
In the Bluejays’ previous outing, they were victorious over the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 78-67. The Bluejays had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.548 vs. 0.428) and had a better free throw rate (0.143 vs. 0.116). Martin Krampelj was Creighton’s high scorer with 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.
After the Golden Eagles won both games against the Bluejays last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Marquette won 85-81. One of Marquette’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Bluejays were just 8-14 (57.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Sam Hauser (0 points) has been fantastic for the Golden Eagles while Ty-Shon Alexander (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Bluejays.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Creighton currently ranks 17th in offensive efficiency and Marquette is 28th in defensive efficiency.
Marquette vs. Creighton Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Creighton, ATS Winner – Creighton, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Marquette ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (41.0) while Creighton ranks 180th (35.1).
The Golden Eagles average 24.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation. The Bluejays rank 154th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Marquette ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Creighton ranks 96th (12.5).
The Golden Eagles rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Bluejays rank 94th (3.4).
Creighton averages 5.9 steals per game, which ranks 135th in the country. Marquette ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
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The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 11.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bluejays have scored an average of 80.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (3.6 below their season average).
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