The No. 17 Providence Friars (16-2, 6-1 Big East) travel to Cintas Center in Cincinnati for a meeting with the No. 23 Xavier Musketeers (14-4, 4-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Providence vs. Xavier odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Musketeers have failed to cover in six of their last seven games. While they’re 10-8 against the spread (ATS), they’ve been far from the same team in Big East competition where they’re just 1-6 ATS.
The Musketeers average 74.5 points per game but their strength comes in their defensive play that holds opponents to just 40.3% shooting. Xavier will have its hands full against a Friars squad that shoots 44.6% from the field.
C Nate Watson is the main threat for Providence, a team that’s 11-7 ATS this season. They’ve covered six of their last 10 games and are 3-1 straight-up (SU) on the road this season.
Providence at Xavier odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:31 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Providence +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Xavier -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Providence +8.5 (-110) | Xavier -8.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Providence at Xavier odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Xavier 70, Providence 66
Money line
PASS on the money line.
Xavier is 10-1 at home, so it should come out on top. However, the money line is certainly not worth betting on at -420. Providence (+320) is the only playable money line wager, but I’d rather take the points in this situation.
Against the spread
BET on PROVIDENCE +8.5 (-110).
The Musketeers have failed to cover the spread in four straight games, two of which they were 2-point favorites. On the other hand, Providence has covered four of its last seven outings.
Watson should prove to be too versatile for Mucketeers’ leading scorer Jack Nunge, a 7-foot center. This game is going to be won or lost in the paint, and Watson should prove to be more physical.
I expect a close, hard-fought game with the Friars playing better basketball as of late and the Musketeers playing to the level of their competition.
Over/Under
Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 138.5 (-107).
Neither team is great at shooting with both hitting under 34% of their attempts from deep. While the Friars are 9-9 O/U this season, it’s been profitable to bet on fewer points in Xavier games as they’re just 7-10-1 O/U.
Xavier has scored fewer than 70 points in three of its last four games and Providence has scored more than 70 points in just two of its last 10 outings. Neither team has been scoring a ton lately, making the Under an attractive play.
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