Seton Hall vs Villanova Picks and Prediction – 3/13/2025

The Big East Tournament's opening round features a compelling matchup between the Villanova Wildcats (18-13, 11-9 Big East) and the Seton Hall Pirates (7-24, 2-18 Big East) on March 12, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Peacock. Get in on all the basketball action with our free NCAAB picks.

Villanova enters the tournament as the favorite. The Wildcats have a 66.7% win rate when favored on the moneyline, holding a 14-7 record in such situations. Their offense averages 74.1 points per game, ranking 173rd nationally, while defensively, they allow 67.7 points per game, placing them 58th. In their last meeting on February 26, 2025, Villanova secured a narrow 59-54 victory over Seton Hall, overcoming 14 turnovers and a challenging first half. Look for Eric Dixon to decide this one. Dixon averages 23.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Seton Hall has faced a challenging season, reflected in their 7-24 overall record and 2-18 conference mark. The Pirates have struggled offensively, averaging 61.8 points per game, ranking 363rd nationally. Defensively, they allow 70.3 points per game, placing them 127th. Against the spread, Seton Hall holds a 13-18-0 record, and as underdogs by 10.5 points or more, they have covered the spread in three out of nine instances. Isaiah Coleman is the best player on this squad, averaging 15.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

Seton Hall is simply in the cellar of the conference. Villanova has more than enough talent to bury Seton Hall and motivation should be there with crucial seeding on the line in this tournament. We like Villanova to put Seton Hall away early and win this one by a score of 77-60.