Creighton faces Marquette in Big East basketball. Although Marquette seeks victory, it is undeniable that this game holds greater significance for the Jays.
Creighton enters the new year as a squad that is not guaranteed a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They are currently positioned on the unfavourable side of the bubble. That is a statement one would not have anticipated hearing just prior to the year’s conclusion.
This is a pivotal opportunity for the Jays to secure a significant victory that might enhance their tournament standing against a club that has triumphed in three consecutive games since their defeat at Dayton, as we analyse the matchup in my Creighton vs. Marquette predictions.
Continue reading for my college basketball selections for Friday, January 3.
Prediction for Creighton versus Marquette
My optimal wager: Jamiya Neal Over 5.5 assists (+120 at bet365)
My assessment
This clash is intriguing as both teams have exhibited similarities over the past three years: competitive, although not quite championship candidates.
This contest presents a distinct scenario. Marquette possesses the potential to create significant impact in March, attributed to Kam Jones, head coach Shaka Smart, and others; but, an element—possibly inconsistency—remains that leaves one desiring further achievement. Simultaneously, as previously said, Creighton enters January with their season at a pivotal juncture. I find this game intriguing, and although I lack a definitive stance on the total or side, I do have a strong preference for one prop as my best option. The focus is on Arizona State transfer guard Jamiya Neal. I am selecting his Over 5.5 assists as my optimal wager.
A transformation occurred following the second of two successive defeats to Georgetown. Neal’s usage declined by around ten percent; nevertheless, his minutes and assist rate rose, and his efficiency significantly improved. In the preceding month against Georgetown, Neal exhibited a comparable performance: 26 minutes, 25% usage, four assists, and a negative BPM. The subsequent two games? An average use rate of 16%, 6.5 assists, and a positive BPM are all commendable metrics. It is challenging to identify the specific factors contributing to Neal’s increased opportunities, but I have a hypothesis on its connection to assistance.
In those two victories, Creighton encountered two teams that had difficulties in defending against big players making cuts to the basket, which they effectively capitalised on. Against Villanova, Creighton achieved 1.31 points per possession on notable cuts and rolls, with a nearly same figure against St. John’s. Neal served as the principal benefactor, acting as the guardian to enable that activity. Marquette’s defensive strategies against cutting bigs closely resemble those employed by Creighton’s previous two adversaries.
Given all of that, it is difficult to conceive a different outcome. I estimated Neal’s assist total to be 6.2, hence obtaining a favourable pricing on this is essential.
