The set-up: Two of the top teams in the nation collide and I think that points will be plentiful. The Pirates enter off a 76-74 home win over St. John's, while the Musketeers will be eager to keep the momentum rolling after a 74-65 home win over DePaul. Seton Hall comes in at 10-3 and it plays with "double revenge" here after dropping both contests in the series last year. The Pirates average 75.5 PPG and they allow 69.6. Xavier though is 7-1 at home and it averages 75.4 PPG, while allowing 70.1.

The pick: I'm expecting a wide open, faster paced game. Take it for what you will as well, but Seton Hall has seen the total go "over" the number in ten of its last 14 as a road dog or pick, while Xavier has seen the total go "over" in 21 of its last 36 at home. This number is low, play the "over."

10* play