Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Seton Hall Pirates Prediction and Picks - December 13, 2025
It's the Big 10 vs the Big East on Saturday evening, and we have a Rutgers vs Seton Hall prediction ready to rock and roll. Rutgers enters this contest off a 101-61 road loss to Michigan, which dropped them to 5-5 on the year. Seton Hall checks in at 9-1 on the year, and they are off a 78-67 win over Kansas State. These teams met last year, and Rutgers won that game at home by a score of 66-64. Continue reading to see our Rutgers vs Seton Hall prediction.
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Rutgers Was No Match For Michigan
Rutgers’ most recent game was a 101–60 loss at Michigan on December 6, where freshman Harun Zrno scored 13 points and Kaden Powers added 13 off the bench, but the Scarlet Knights were overwhelmed by the Wolverines’ size and shooting. Michigan shot 60% from the field and buried 13 threes, while Rutgers managed just 35.8% overall and turned the ball over 11 times. It was the second straight lopsided defeat for Steve Pikiell’s team after falling to Purdue earlier in the week.
On the season, Rutgers averages 69.9 points per game while shooting 41.7% from the field. Dylan Grant leads the team with 14.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Tariq Francis adds 11.8 points and Jamichael Davis contributes 8.5 points and 3 assists. Emmanuel Ogbole anchors the paint with 6.8 rebounds per game, and freshmen Denis Badalau and Harun Zrno have provided flashes of scoring depth. The Knights rely heavily on Grant’s ability to create offense, but their overall efficiency has lagged, ranking near the bottom nationally in field goal percentage.
Defensively, Rutgers allows 72.3 points per game and opponents shoot 43.6%, including 37.4% from three. They rebound at 36 boards per game but struggle to defend the perimeter, which has been a recurring issue against high-major opponents. Rutgers has dropped four of its last five games, and the challenge against Seton Hall will be limiting turnovers and finding consistent scoring beyond Grant.
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Defense Leads The Hall Over KSU
Seton Hall’s most recent game was a 78–67 win at Kansas State on December 6, where A.J. Staton-McCray scored 16 points and Elijah Fisher added 16 as well. The Pirates forced 18 turnovers and outscored the Wildcats 22–7 in points off mistakes, showcasing the defensive pressure that has defined their season. Kansas State shot just 37.1% from the field, while Seton Hall converted 77% of its free throws to secure a Quad 2 road victory.
On the season, Seton Hall averages 76.1 points per game while shooting 45.5% from the field. Staton-McCray leads the team with 13.9 points per game, while TJ Simpkins adds 11.2 and Adam Clark chips in 9.6 points with 5.4 assists. Mike Williams and Elijah Fisher provide balance on the wings, and freshman center Najai Hines has been a pleasant surprise with 7.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. The Pirates have seven players averaging at least 7 points per game, giving them depth and versatility across the rotation.
Defensively, Seton Hall has been elite, allowing just 61.9 points per game and holding opponents to 39% shooting. They average over 10 steals per contest, ranking among the best in the nation, and force 16 turnovers per game. Stephon Payne anchors the paint with 5.7 rebounds and rim protection, while the backcourt pressure from Clark and Staton-McCray sets the tone. Against Rutgers, Seton Hall’s ability to force mistakes and convert them into points could be the deciding factor, especially at home where they’ve been dominant.
Rutgers vs Seton Hall Pick
Rutgers vs Seton Hall Spread Pick
- Seton Hall -11 (4 Units)
Seton Hall laying -11 feels justified given how dominant their defense has been and the way they handled Kansas State in their most recent outing. On December 6, the Pirates beat Kansas State 78–67 on the road, forcing 18 turnovers and converting them into 22 points. A.J. Staton-McCray and Elijah Fisher each scored 16, while Adam Clark ran the offense with six assists. The Pirates held the Wildcats to 37% shooting and closed the game strong at the free-throw line, showing the kind of toughness that travels. With Seton Hall averaging 76.1 points per game and shooting 45.5% from the field, their balanced scoring and ability to get to the line consistently make them a tough cover for opponents.
Rutgers, meanwhile, is coming off a 101–60 loss at Michigan on December 6, where Dylan Grant was held to just 10 points and the Scarlet Knights shot 35.8% overall. Rutgers averages 69.9 points per game but allows 72.3, and their perimeter defense has been a glaring weakness, giving up nearly 38% from three. The Knights rely heavily on Grant and Tariq Francis for offense, but depth scoring has been inconsistent, and turnovers have hurt them against stronger competition. Facing Seton Hall’s pressure defense and disciplined half-court execution, Rutgers will struggle to keep pace, making the Pirates -11 a strong position given their ability to force mistakes and convert them into points.
Rutgers vs Seton Hall Over/Under Pick
- Under 131.5 (5 Units)
The Under 131.5 makes sense in Rutgers–Seton Hall given how both teams trend toward low-scoring, grind-it-out basketball. Rutgers’ most recent game was a 101–60 loss at Michigan on December 6, where the Scarlet Knights shot just 35.8% and managed only 23 points in the first half. On the season, they average 69.9 points per game but allow 72.3, with perimeter defense being a major weakness. Seton Hall, meanwhile, is coming off a 78–67 win at Kansas State on December 6, where they forced 18 turnovers and held the Wildcats under 40% shooting. The Pirates allow just 61.9 points per game and rank among the nation’s best in defensive efficiency, consistently dragging opponents into half-court battles. With Rutgers struggling to score against elite defenses and Seton Hall thriving in slow, physical contests, this matchup projects closer to the low 120s, making the Under 131.5 a strong angle.
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