The No. 22 Villanova Wildcats (13-4, 4-0 Big East) will try to extend their five-game winning streak against the Xavier Musketeers (11-7, 3-2 Big East) at Wells Fargo Center. The game gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18, 2019.
Xavier Musketeers at Villanova Wildcats Betting Prediction
The Musketeers come in on a high note after just getting past the Butler Bulldogs in their last game, 70-69. The Musketeers knocked down 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.9 (above their season average of 30.8). Xavier received a boost from Paul Scruggs, who was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In the Wildcats’ last game, they defeated the Creighton Bluejays, 90-78. The Wildcats knocked down 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 13.1 (better than their season average of 16.2). Phil Booth was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Wildcats won both meetings against the Musketeers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Villanova won 95-79. The Wildcats’ 8.4 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Musketeers, who had a mark of 14.0.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Scruggs (14 points,5.6 rebounds) has been great for the Musketeers while Booth (22 points,5.4 rebounds,4.6 assists) has made great contributions to the Wildcats.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Villanova currently ranks 312th in possessions per game (66.5) and Xavier is 277th (67.9).
Xavier Musketeers at Villanova Wildcats Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while Xavier ranks 213th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
The Wildcats average 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 120th in the country. The Musketeers rank 188th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
Villanova ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Xavier ranks 53rd (2.8).
The Wildcats rank 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.6) while the Musketeers rank 57th (32.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Musketeers have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Xavier has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
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