The No. 16 Marquette Golden Eagles (11-3, 0-1 Big East) welcome the Xavier Musketeers (9-6, 1-1 Big East) to Fiserv Forum as they attempt to continue their 11-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 6, 2019.
Xavier Musketeers at Marquette Golden Eagles Free Prediction
In the Musketeers’ last game, they beat the IUPUI Jaguars, 82-69. The Musketeers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.5 vs. 23.1) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.538 vs. 0.438). With 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Ryan Welage was the game’s leading scorer.
The Golden Eagles easily got past the UMBC Retrievers in their last matchup, 67-42. The Golden Eagles had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.274) and had a better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.129). With 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Marquette’s Markus Howard put together a good outing.
It will be a showdown of contrasting styles as the fast-paced Golden Eagles (ranked 84th in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Musketeers (266th in possessions per game).
Sam Hauser and Howard have played well over the last five games for Marquette. Hauser has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Howard has put up 0 points a game during that span.
After the Musketeers won both matchups against the Golden Eagles last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Xavier won 89-70. The Musketeers had a much better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 15.7) and had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.136).
Xavier Musketeers at Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Marquette averages 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 96th in the nation. Xavier ranks 177th in assists allowed per game (14.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Musketeers have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Xavier has defeated opponents by an average of 4.3 points.
During their last five games, the Golden Eagles have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
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