NCAAB Same Game Parlay: Creighton Bluejays vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Preview
Game Overview
The Marquette Golden Eagles (12-2, 3-0 Big East) host the Creighton Bluejays (9-5, 2-1 Big East) in a pivotal early-season Big East matchup on January 3, 2025. The game tips off at 7:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI, and will be broadcast on FS1. Marquette is riding a three-game winning streak, while Creighton looks to build on a narrow 57-56 win over St. John’s.
Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creighton Bluejays | +9.5 (-120) | +320 | Over 147.5 (-110) |
| Marquette Golden Eagles | -9.5 (EVEN) | -425 | Under 147.5 (-110) |
Marquette is favored by 9.5 points at home, and the total for the game is set at 147.5. The Golden Eagles' strong defensive play makes the under an appealing play, in addition to their dominance at home this season.
Team Analysis
Creighton Bluejays
Creighton comes into this game with a 9-5 record, but consistency has been an issue for the Bluejays. Their offensive leader, Ryan Kalkbrenner, averages 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 69.5% from the field. However, Creighton’s reliance on Kalkbrenner to carry the offense has made them predictable at times.
Creighton’s defense, allowing 70 points per game, will be tested against a Marquette team that thrives in transition. The Bluejays will need to control the tempo to have a chance in this matchup. Recent road struggles, including a blowout loss to Georgetown, highlight their vulnerabilities.
Marquette Golden Eagles
The Golden Eagles are led by Kolek Jones, who averages 20.1 points and 6.6 assists per game. Marquette’s offense is explosive, averaging 80.5 points per game, and their ability to force turnovers (10.4 steals per game) makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
Defensively, Marquette allows just 66.1 points per game and thrives at disrupting opponents’ rhythm. They hold a significant edge at home, where they are undefeated this season. Look for their defensive intensity to force Creighton into mistakes and limit Kalkbrenner’s impact.
Recent Performance
Creighton Bluejays
- 12/31/24: Defeated St. John’s 57-56
- 12/21/24: Defeated Villanova 86-79
- 12/18/24: Lost to Georgetown 81-57
- 12/14/24: Lost to Alabama 83-75
- 12/7/24: Defeated UNLV 83-65
Marquette Golden Eagles
- 12/31/24: Defeated Providence 78-50
- 12/21/24: Defeated Xavier 72-70
- 12/18/24: Defeated Butler 80-70
- 12/14/24: Lost to Dayton 71-63
- 12/7/24: Defeated Wisconsin 88-74
Head-to-Head Matchup
Marquette and Creighton last met in February 2024, with Marquette securing a dominant 84-67 victory. The Golden Eagles’ ability to disrupt Creighton’s offensive flow was the key to that win. Creighton’s guards struggled under Marquette’s pressure defense, committing 15 turnovers, a trend that could repeat in this game.
Betting Trends
- Marquette is 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
- Creighton is 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
- The under has hit in six of Marquette’s last eight games.
- The under has hit in four of Creighton’s last five games.
Prediction
Marquette’s dominance at home and superior defensive play make them the clear favorite in this matchup. Creighton’s road struggles and reliance on Ryan Kalkbrenner to carry the offense will be exposed against Marquette’s aggressive defense. Expect the Golden Eagles to cover the 9.5-point spread in a relatively low-scoring game that stays under the total of 147.5.
