San Diego State vs Creighton Prediction Elite 8 03/26

© Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Creighton vs San Diego State - March 26, 2023

As we approach the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament, the No. 18 San Diego State Aztecs are set to face off against the Creighton Bluejays. With a line giving San Diego State a -1.5 point spread, this game is sure to be a nail-biter. Both teams have shown impressive performance throughout the season, with San Diego State boasting a record of 30-6 and Creighton with a record of 24-12. The Aztecs have displayed strong offense, ranking eighth in the MWC with an impressive 28.6 points per game in the paint led by Keshad Johnson averaging 4.9. Meanwhile, the Bluejays have shown proficiency in rebounding, ranking eighth in the Big East with 7.4 offensive rebounds per game led by Ryan Kalkbrenner averaging 2.5. Matt Bradley has been a key performer for the Aztecs, averaging 12.8 points. Darrion Trammel has also been an asset for San Diego State, averaging 9.7 points over their last 10 games. For the Bluejays, Baylor Scheierman has shown great shooting ability from beyond the arc, boasting a 36.6% success rate with 2.4 made 3-pointers per game. Kalkbrenner has been a dominant force on the court as well, with an average of 18 points and 1.8 blocks over the past 10 games for Creighton. For anyone looking to place their bets and participate in parlays for this game, we suggest consulting with ncaab picks experts, ncaab picks computer programs, or ncaab today experts for guidance. Ncaab experts picks today are sure to take into account the various ncaab picks with spread and ncaab picks odds available. Overall, the matchup between these two teams promises to be a thrilling one. So, be sure to tune in and catch all the action as the Creighton Bluejays take on the San Diego State Aztecs for a spot in the Final Four.

Creighton: Offensive Analysis

The Creighton Bluejays will need to be firing on all cylinders offensively if they want to take down the San Diego State Aztecs in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament. Creighton ranks eighth in the Big East with 7.4 offensive rebounds per game, led by Ryan Kalkbrenner's 2.5 per game. Baylor Scheierman will also need to continue his hot shooting, averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc. The Bluejays have been on a roll offensively in their last 10 games, averaging 78.8 points, 33.9 rebounds, 16.8 assists, 4.4 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. However, they will be facing a tough San Diego State defense that has held opponents to just 58.5 points per game in their last 10 games. NCAAB picks experts and computer models may favor San Diego State in this matchup, but Creighton has the offensive firepower to keep this game close. Look for Kalkbrenner and Scheierman to lead the charge for the Bluejays and put up a fight against the Aztecs.

Creighton: Defensive Analysis

Creighton's success in the upcoming game against San Diego State will largely depend on their defensive strategy. The Bluejays will need to focus on minimizing the Aztecs' scoring opportunities, particularly in the paint where Keshad Johnson has been dominant this season. One area where Creighton can excel defensively is in their ability to grab offensive rebounds. Ryan Kalkbrenner has been a key player for the Bluejays in this regard, averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds per game. This not only prevents the opposition from getting easy scoring opportunities, but also creates additional offensive possessions for the Bluejays. Baylor Scheierman has also been impressive on the defensive end, shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc and averaging 3.3 assists per game. His ability to defend against San Diego State's outside shots could be crucial in limiting their scoring opportunities. Overall, Creighton's defensive performance will be crucial in this game, as they face a tough opponent in San Diego State. Betting experts and computer predictions may favor either team, but with a strong defensive strategy, the Bluejays can increase their chances of coming out on top.

San Diego State: Offense Analysis

The San Diego State Aztecs have had an impressive season so far, with a record of 30-6 and a dominant performance in the Mountain West Conference. However, they will face a tough challenge in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament as they take on the Creighton Bluejays. Offensively, the Aztecs have been solid throughout the season, averaging 73.4 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. They have been particularly effective in the paint, averaging 28.6 points per game, led by Keshad Johnson's 4.9 points per game. However, their three-point shooting has been average, with a team percentage of 34.1%. Matt Bradley has been the top performer for the Aztecs, averaging 12.8 points per game. Darrion Trammell has also been a key player, averaging 9.7 points over the last 10 games. Both players will need to step up to help the team secure a spot in the Final Four. According to NCAAB picks experts, the Aztecs are currently favored by 1.5 points over the Bluejays. However, the computer models and predictions are split, making this game a toss-up. If San Diego State wants to come out on top, they will need to bring their A-game and execute their offensive game plan to perfection. In conclusion, San Diego State has a solid offense that has led them to a successful season thus far. But in order to secure a spot in the Final Four, they will need to play their best basketball yet and execute their offensive strategies to perfection. The game against the Bluejays will be a tough challenge, but the Aztecs have what it takes to come out on top.

San Diego State: Defensive Analysis

In this Elite Eight matchup against Creighton, San Diego State's defense will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. The Aztecs have been solid defensively all season, allowing just 62.2 points per game, which ranks 23rd in the nation. San Diego State's defense is anchored by their ability to force turnovers, which they do 15.3 times per game. This is thanks in large part to their active hands and quick reactions to loose balls. They also have a solid rim protector in Nathan Mensah, who averages 1.3 blocks per game. Against Creighton specifically, San Diego State will need to focus on defending the three-point line. The Bluejays shoot 37.4% from beyond the arc, which is 20th in the nation. The Aztecs' perimeter defense will be tested, but they have the personnel to step up to the challenge. Lamont Butler, Terrell Gomez, and Trey Pulliam are all capable defenders and will need to be locked in. If San Diego State can continue to play tough defense and limit Creighton's scoring opportunities, they will have a good chance to advance to the Final Four. The Aztecs have a balanced and effective defense, which will be crucial in a game of this magnitude. Look for them to use their defense to set the tone early and establish control of the game.

Injury Report Analysis for Creighton vs. San Diego State NCAA Game

Both Creighton and San Diego State have had relatively healthy seasons, but injuries can still play a major factor in any game, especially in a high-stakes NCAA Tournament matchup like this one. For Creighton, guard Rati Andronikashvili has missed the last few games with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for this game. While he's not a huge contributor, averaging just 2.8 points per game, his absence could still impact the Bluejays' rotation. Meanwhile, San Diego State has been dealing with the absence of forward Jeromy Rodriguez, who has been out since early February with an ankle injury. He's not expected to return for this game, but the Aztecs have been playing well without him, winning nine of their last 10 games. Overall, there are no major injury concerns for either team heading into this Elite Eight matchup. However, with the high stakes and physical nature of the NCAA Tournament, anything can happen. Both teams will need to have their full complement of players ready to go in order to advance to the Final Four. 

Betting Trends

When it comes to placing bets on NCAA basketball games, many look for insights and trends that can help guide their decisions. Here are some trends to consider when betting on the Creighton vs. San Diego State Elite Eight game: - San Diego State has been a favorite in 27 of their 36 games this season. They are 18-9 against the spread (ATS) as a favorite. - Creighton has been an underdog in 12 of their 36 games this season. They are 7-5 ATS as an underdog. - San Diego State has covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 games. - Creighton has covered the spread in 6 of their last 9 games. - The total has gone OVER in 8 of Creighton's last 12 games. - The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego State's last 6 games. When it comes to making betting decisions, some turn to expert opinions or computer-generated predictions. However, it is important to remember that nothing is guaranteed in sports betting. Use these trends to inform your decision-making process, but always bet responsibly and within your means. San Diego State Aztecs will continue their winning streak against Creighton Bluejays in Elite Eight round of NCAA Tournament. The Aztecs are in good form and have a stronger record in the tournament, while the Bluejays' performance has been a bit inconsistent.

Prediction: 

One key factor is the Aztecs' strong offense, particularly in the paint where they have been dominant all season. Keshad Johnson has led the team in this area, averaging 4.9 points per game, and Matt Bradley has also been a key performer with an average of 12.8 points. Additionally, San Diego State has been solid defensively, allowing just 62.2 points per game and forcing turnovers at a rate of 15.3 per game. Their ability to limit Creighton's scoring opportunities, particularly from beyond the arc where the Bluejays have been proficient, will be crucial in this game.

Furthermore, San Diego State has a stronger record in the tournament with a record of 30-6 compared to Creighton's record of 24-12. The Aztecs have also been favored in 27 of their 36 games this season and have covered the spread in five of their last six games, indicating a level of consistency and strong performance.

Taking all of these factors into consideration, it seems likely that San Diego State will emerge victorious in this game, potentially covering the spread of -1.5 points

Pick: San Diego State -1.5.