SETON HALL (+5.5) at BUTLER, 12 p.m.
Pick: Seton Hall + 5.5
The Hall (13-8) got right with a win over Providence last time out to end a five-game losing streak. And star guard Myles Powell, coming off his worst game of the season in a blowout loss to Villanova, responded with 31 against the Friars.
Look for another big effort from Powell and the Pirates, who look to sweep Butler (12-10), losers of three straight, in the season series.
Even if Seton Hall doesn’t get the win, the 5.5 points are very generous.
RUTGERS (+ 9.5) at OHIO ST., 12 p.m.
Pick: Rutgers + 9.5
There’s just no respect for the Scarlet Knights (11-9), who have won three straight and own an early-season win over the overrated Buckeyes (13-7).
Ohio State has lost six of their last seven games, are 8-12 this season against the spread and an even more alarming 3-9 against the spread at home.
Take the Knights and the points.
RIDER (- 5) at MONMOUTH, 2 p.m.
Pick: Monmouth +5
Monmouth (7-16) began the season 0-12 and looked like a club that may never win a game. Then the Hawks beat Penn for their first win and have looked like a different team ever since.
Rider (12-8) is the best the MAAC has to offer and should win the regular-season title and be favored to capture their first MAAC Tournament. But all of that is down the road.
Saturday, the Hawks get the cover, and maybe even an upset win against a Broncs team that has covered just six times in 20 games.