The Xavier Musketeers (6-3) visit Cincinnati to take on the Bearcats (8-1) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against stifling defense. The game will air on ESPN2 at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Xavier Musketeers at Cincinnati Bearcats ATS Prediction
In the Musketeers’ last outing, they defeated 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). Xavier was led by Ryan Welage, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
The Bearcats were beaten by the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last matchup, 64-56. Ohio State’s 0.511 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Cincinnati, who had a mark of 0.323. With 22 points on 7-for-17 shooting, Jarron Cumberland was the top scorer from either team.
The Musketeers won the lone contest against the Bearcats last season, 89-76. The Musketeers knocked down 25 of their 30 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.9 vs. 22.5).
This showdown figures to be a shootout as a pair of the country’s premier offenses clash. Cincinnati ranks 29th with 113.5 points per 100 possessions and Xavier is 12th (116.8) since last season.
Xavier at Cincinnati Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Cincinnati ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Xavier ranks 209th (14.2).
The Bearcats rank 10th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Musketeers rank 171st (6.5).
Cincinnati ranks 17th in blocks per game (5.3) while Xavier ranks 163rd (3.2).
The Bearcats rank 136th in three pointers allowed per game (20.9) while the Musketeers rank 282nd (25.8).
Cincinnati leads the NCAA with 30.8 rebounds allowed per game while Xavier is 22nd with 31.3 rebounds allowed per game.
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