The No. 5 Xavier Musketeers (15-1, 3-0 Big East) put their 10-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Providence Friars (10-6, 1-2 Big East) at Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Xavier Musketeers vs. Providence Friars Free Prediction
In the Musketeers’ last outing, they topped the Butler Bulldogs, 86-79. The Musketeers had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.400 (above their season average of 0.344) and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.456 (below their season average of 0.547). With 21 points on 6-for-15 shooting, Trevon Bluiett was Xavier’s leading scorer.
The Friars lost to the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last contest, 95-90. Marquette’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Providence. The Golden Eagles had a rate of 15.7 (worse than their season average of 14.9), while the Friars posted a mark of 18.0. With 29 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Kyron Cartwright was Providence’s leading scorer.
The high-powered offense of Xavier will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Providence. The Musketeers currently rank 13th in offensive efficiency, while the Friars are 189th in defensive efficiency. The Musketeers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, the Friars won 75-63. The Friars had a much better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 20.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.541 vs. 0.474).
Xavier Musketeers at Providence Friars Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Providence, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Xavier ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Providence ranks 139th (35.2).
The Musketeers rank 22nd in assists per game (17.8) while the Friars rank 102nd (14.9).
Providence ranks 164th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1) while Xavier ranks 238th (25.9).
The Friars average 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 73rd in the NCAA. The Musketeers rank 130th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
Providence averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. Xavier ranks 109th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 14.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Friars have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.0 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
