The Seton Hall Pirates are set to face the Providence Friars. Check out our college basketball odds series, which includes our Seton Hall Providence prediction, odds, and pick.

Seton Hall has lost only once this season, to Ohio State. The Pirates did wobble in a narrow victory against California, but any worries about a downward slide were halted with a big win over Texas, a team which had Final Four aspirations at the start of the season, as college basketball odds analysts know well.

Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard is a rising star in this business. He has lost quality players to the NBA but keeps finding ways to reload through high-level player development. The Pirates have tested themselves against quality opponents and have passed nearly every test. Even the Ohio State loss was a very close game which was winnable for the Pirates late in regulation.

Providence also has just one loss entering this showdown. As you consider a Seton Hall Providence pick, know that Providence has scored high-level wins against Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Vermont, and Connecticut. In three of those four big wins, Providence held the opponent to 58 points or fewer. Coach Ed Cooley has built this team around defense and has his players well-schooled. Even Providence's one loss was a game in which it held the opponent to 58 points. The Friars had an aberrationally awful offensive performance against Virginia, a rare clunker. Their other 11 games were all solid performances, so they will take that knowledge into this game against Seton Hall.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:

College Basketball odds: Seton Hall-Providence Odds

Seton Hall: -1.5 (-110)

Providence: +1.5 (-110)

Over: 139 (-110)

Under: 139 (-110)

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Why Seton Hall Could Cover the Spread

The Pirates have shown a capacity to adjust and correct their errors, most notably in the big Texas win after a brief slump. Seton Hall can win in the mud, playing hard-nosed defense, but it can also win with its skill and shotmaking at the offensive end of the floor. Having different ways to win is something which lifts great teams above the mediocre ones. Kevin Willard's coaching and player development put the Pirates in good position to respond well to any test which comes their way. Factor this into your Seton Hall Providence pick.

Why Providence Could Cover the Spread

The Friars have lost only once, just like Seton Hall. As noted above, their defense has been both elite and consistent, holding a lot of good teams — Wisconsin, Vermont, UConn — under 60 points. When a team plays one or two good defensive games, it's a sign of potential. When a team plays four, five or six quality defensive games, it's an indicator of an established team identity which is hard for an opponent to confront or solve. Ed Cooley regularly does more with less at Providence. Kevin Willard is a good coach, but he is going up against a relative equal in the coaching profession in this game. Both coaches, not just one, are highly respected and credentialed in their profession. Keep that in mind when making a Seton Hall Providence prediction.

Final Seton Hall-Providence Prediction & Pick

Both teams enter this game with momentum and confidence. Providence's ability to thwart good opposing offenses, combined with playing at home, gives the Friars a small but real edge.

Final Seton Hall-Providence Pick: Providence +1.5