Providence Friars at Xavier Musketeers Betting Preview/Prop Pick

Some might be shocked by this, but the Providence Friars are ranked No.17 in college basketball. They’ve had quite an impressive season and are currently 16-2. They lead the Big East and are facing a conference rival when they take on the Xavier Musketeers.

Their win streak is at three games, but can they extend it to four against the No.21 Xavier Musketeers?

The Musketeers haven’t had a bad season either, currently ranked sixth in the Big East. They’re coming off of an 11-point loss to Marquette but can get a big win at home tonight. Before their loss, Xavier won two straight games.

They’ve also kept their games against big schools competitive, only losing by four points to Villanova. Can they secure a win at home tonight?

Providence Friars: Providence comes in as heavy underdogs

Although they have a better record and rank higher in the division, the Friars come in as underdogs. The spread on this game is quite large, too, as the Friars are +8. This could be due to a few things, predominantly the fact that the Friars don’t have a great offense.

On average, they score 70.44 points per game. Compared to some of the other college teams, this isn’t enough. 

It could also be due to them playing the Musketeers at home. Xavier has only lost a single game at home the entire season, and it was to No.14 Villanova. For the Friars to win this game, they need to focus on Jack Nunge, the Musketeers forward.

He’s their leading scorer, averaging 12.3 points per game. If the Friars can find a way to limit his output, they might pull this one off.

Xavier Musketeers: Can Xavier cover such a large spread?

The Xavier Musketeers are obviously familiar with Providence since they’re in the same conference. However, over their last ten games, Providence has gotten the better of them. In the last ten meetings, Xavier is 4-6 against Providence.

In order to flip the script tonight, Xavier has to play incredible defense. The Friars aren’t a high-scoring team, but they do know how to win.

It starts with Xavier shutting down Friars Center Nate Watson. Watson is their leading scorer and best shooter. He averages 14.1 points per game and dominates the inside.

Providence also out rebounds the Musketeers, something Xavier will have to address. Crashing boards is necessary against Providence to win this one. So, who’s the best bet between these two?

Our pick for the Providence Friars at Xavier Musketeers

After looking at each of these teams, we’re going to go with the favorites. It might be a shocking pick to some, considering the Musketeers’ record against the Friars.

However, you have to take into account the Musketeers 10-1 record at home. They’ve been an unstoppable team on their home court, and we think they can cover here. 

This season, Xavier is 10-8 against the spread, which is pretty good. They’re also 7-4 ATS when playing at home, which is even better. The Friars are their rivals, and the Musketeers need to move up in the conference.

Take the Musketeers to win this game, cover the spread, and the total to go over 138.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Xavier Musketeers -8, OVER

Prop Pick

Xavier (-125) OVER 73.5 Points

Xavier is averaging 74.5 points per game this season. Scores have gone OVER in three of the last five games that the Musketeers have been home favorites.  Scores have also gone OVER in each of the Musketeers’ last three contests versus the Friars.

With Dunkel predicting an Xavier victory by the score of 78-64, take the Muskateers (-125) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 73.5 points against Providence.

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