Marquette vs. Creighton Odds
| Marquette Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 142.5 -110o / -110u | -154 |
| Creighton Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 142.5 -110o / -110u | +128 |
The only predetermined quarterfinal matchup of the Big East Tournament will be the third meeting between Marquette and Creighton this season.
The first two were tightly contested games in which the Bluejays emerged victorious in both. However, the third time may be the charm for the Golden Eagles.
Marquette Golden Eagles
Triples Will be Key for Marquette
Shaka Smart's club may have finished fifth in regular-season conference play, but the numbers show its potential to be a top-three team in the Big East.
Marquette ranked first in the conference in effective field goal and 2-point percentages. It was also second in 3-point percentage, which is key because the Golden Eagles had the highest rate of shots from behind the arc in the conference.
Although potent offense is often associated with this Marquette team, it was surprisingly good defensively against conference foes. After all, finishing third in adjusted defensive efficiency, second in effective field goal percentage allowed and first in 3-point percentage allowed is no easy task.
For the Golden Eagles to finally get past the Bluejays, it will be necessary to not only get their 3s to fall, but they need to do everything they can to limit their opponents' makes from behind the arc.
But if the numbers hold, Marquette should have a significant edge.
Creighton Bluejays
Second-Chance Points to Boost Bluejays
Creighton may not have the ability to run and gun with the Marquette offense, but it does hold an edge that could help it hang around even when it goes cold. The Golden Eagles were last in the Big East in rebounding rate on both ends of the floor.
It should come as no surprise that the Bluejays were able to utilize this during the regular-season series. Creighton created a bunch of second chances for itself, grabbing 27 offensive rebounds to Marquette's 18 in both games.
This advantage also helps get more opportunities for one of Creighton's best weapons, Ryan Kalkbrenner. The 7-foot-1 sophomore was the MVP of both meetings, as he posted 21- and 20-point performances against the Golden Eagles.
Look for the Bluejays' big man to be a significant factor once again in this matchup.
Marquette vs. Creighton Betting Analysis & Pick
Each team has its respective advantages entering this contest.
However, all signs seem to point in Marquette's direction. Not only do the Golden Eagles have a big edge when in possession, but previous matchups showed the numbers don't lie.
The Golden Eagles held the Bluejays to a 43.8% effective field goal percentage in the first meeting but didn't have enough offense to capitalize on it. Then in the second game, Marquette posted an effective field goal percentage of 59.4%. However, amazingly, it allowed Creighton to top that with an effective field goal percentage of 60.7%.
This time around, the Golden Eagles are going to put it all together. The familiarity will allow them to stifle the Bluejays enough to the point that when Marquette goes on a run, the deficit will be insurmountable.
So, back the Golden Eagles to advance here.
