The No. 9 Auburn Tigers (3-0) square off against the Xavier Musketeers (2-1) in the Maui Invitational at Lahaina Civic Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 2:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 19, 2018.
Auburn Tigers vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Prediction
The Tigers come in on a high note after blowing out the Mississippi College Choctaws in their last contest, 103-52. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.9 vs. 17.3) and had a much better free throw rate (0.263 vs. 0.121). Horace Spencer had a solid performance for Auburn, recording 14 points and 17 rebounds.
In the Musketeers’ previous outing, they lost to the Wisconsin Badgers, 77-68. Wisconsin’s 34.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Xavier, who had a rate of 24.3. Xavier’s Naji Marshall had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the country’s best offenses battle. Since the 2017-18 season, Xavier ranks 12th with 116.9 points per 100 possessions and Auburn is 31st (113.8). The Tigers should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 38th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.5 percent). Conversely, the Musketeers have forced the 19th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.7 percent).
Auburn Tigers vs. Xavier Musketeers Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Auburn averages 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the NCAA. Xavier ranks 175th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
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