Xavier Musketeers betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Marquette at Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Marquette at Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The No. 9 Marquette Golden Eagles (10-2, 1-0 Big East) face the Xavier Musketeers (8-4, 0-1) Saturday. Tip-off from Cintas Center in Cincinnati is set for noon ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Marquette vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Marquette kicked off Big East play with an 80-70 victory over Butler Wednesday but fell short of covering as a 14.5-point home favorite. The Over (148.5) hit, and the Golden Eagles showcased impressive ball control with only 2 turnovers, their lowest mark since Jan. 8, 2011, according to Elias Sports. G Kam Jones led the way, filling the stat sheet with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in the win vs. Butler.

Xavier suffered its second consecutive loss — both to ranked opponents — falling 94-89 in overtime at No. 13 UConn Wednesday and 68-65 at No. 20 Cincinnati Dec. 14. However, the Musketeers covered the spread in both losses — as 13.5-point underdogs at UConn and as 8-point ‘dogs at Cincy. The O/U lines was 146.5 in both games. Against UConn, G Ryan Conwell scored a game-high 23 points, while G Dante Maddox Jr. came off the bench to add 22 points.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Marquette at Xavier odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:07 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Marquette -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Xavier +185 (bet $100 to win $185)
Against the spread (ATS): Marquette -5.5 (-110) | Xavier +5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Marquette at Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 82, Xavier 75

Moneyline

PASS.

Marquette will win this game Saturday afternoon, but the -225 price is too costly, so I’ll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET MARQUETTE -5.5 (-110).

Marquette has dominated this series recently, winning the last 4 meetings vs. Xavier and covering the spread in the last 3. The Golden Eagles’ most recent victory vs. the Muskies was last March 9, an 86-80 triumph as 3.5-point road favorites.

Xavier has also struggled against top competition, losing each of its last 13 games against AP-ranked opponents, dating back to the 2023 Big East Tournament.

The Golden Eagles have proven their mettle with a tough recent stretch, losing to No. 3 Iowa State and No. 24 Dayton and beating then-No. 11 Wisconsin and Butler in their last 4 games.

This game will likely be decided in the paint, where Marquette has the edge. The Golden Eagles out-rebounded Butler 38-27 in their last game, showcasing their physicality. On the other hand, Xavier was outmuscled on the boards 35-27 in its loss to UConn, highlighting a potential weakness.

I dig the GOLDEN EAGLES -5.5 (-110) to steal this game on the road.

Over/Under

BET OVER 154.5 (-110).

The trends point toward the Under, as 5 of the last 6 head-to-head matchups have gone that route.

However, this season is different. Xavier averages 80.4 points per game (PPG), while Marquette scores 81.4 PPG. The Musketeers lead the Big East in 3-point shooting at 40.7%, which ranks ninth in the country according to NCAA.com. Xavier struggles defensively in that department, allowing opponents to hit 35.2% from beyond the arc.

With both teams capable of explosive offense, this game could turn into a shootout.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Xavier at UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Xavier at UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Xavier Musketeers (8-3) and the No. 13 UConn Huskies (8-3) meet Wednesday in the Big East opener for both teams at XL Center in Hartford, Conn. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Xavier vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Xavier was tripped up by their rival Cincinnati Bearcats 68-65 on Saturday, but it was able to cover as an 8-point underdog as the Under (146.5) cashed. Xavier has covered back-to-back games, while the Under is an impressive 7-1-1 in the past 9 outings.

UConn has a tough time in the Maui Invitational, losing all 3 games against Memphis, Colorado and Dayton Nov. 25-28. It has bounced back with 4 straight games back on the mainland, topping Baylor, Texas and Gonzaga during the span. The Huskies are 4-0 against the spread (ATS) in the 4 wins, while the Over is 5-1-1 in the past 7 contests.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Xavier at UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:02 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Xavier +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | UConn -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread: Xavier +13.5 (-110) | UConn -13.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 146.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Xavier at UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 79, Xavier 64

Moneyline

UConn (-900) will cost 9 times your potential return, and that’s obviously way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. Even as part of a multi-leg parlay, including the 2-time defending champs takes away all value from your betslip.

AVOID.

Against the spread

Play UCONN -13.5 (-110) lightly against Xavier +13.5 (-110) in the opener in the Nutmeg State.

The Huskies struggled in Hawaii, but they’ve been dominant everywhere else. In fact, the disaster at the Maui Invitational seems to have caused the alarm clock to go off, and UConn has been rolling since returning to the mainland. The Huskies have wins over ranked teams Baylor, Texas and Gonzaga, with the latter coming in a neutral floor game in Seattle.

Over/Under

UNDER 146.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly in this Big East battle.

The Over has been the rule for UConn lately, although the total went low against Gonzaga last time out by a couple of buckets.

It’s been all about the Under for Xavier all season, going 7-1-1 in the past 9 outings. The Musketeers aren’t terribly good against the 3-pointer, however, allowing teams to hit 35.4% from behind the arc. However, the Huskies are just 35.4% from downtown, too. Side with the Under, but don’t get carried away.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Xavier at Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Xavier at Cincinnati odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) welcome the Xavier Musketeers (8-2) to Fifth Third Arena Saturday for the annual Crosstown Shootout. Tip is set for 2 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Xavier vs. Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Cincinnati, which is No. 23 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll, beat the Howard Bison 84-67 Friday, closing as a 28-point favorite. It lost its first game of the season against the Villanova Wildcats before that. Cincinnati has yet to face a top-25 side and is just 1-1 against the spread (ATS) when a single-digit favorite. It is 4-4 ATS on the season.

The Musketeers beat the Morgan State Bears 119-58 Tuesday, closing as a 29-point home favorite. They are just 2-2 over their last 4 games and are just 1-2 either on the road or on a neutral court. Xavier’s most high-profile game came against No. 14 Michigan as it lost 78-53 Nov. 27. The Musketeers are 4-6 ATS on the season.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Xavier at Cincinnati odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Xavier +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Cincinnati -375 (bet $375 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Xavier +7.5 (-105) | Cincinnati -7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Xavier at Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Cincinnati 74, Xavier 68

Moneyline

PASS.

Both teams have been dominant at home, and Cincinnati will have that advantage. However, it is far too expensive of a favorite to take here.

Against the spread

BET XAVIER +7.5 (-105).

Xavier has had the edge over Cincinnati, winning this rivalry for 5 straight years. The Musketeers have had a single-digit spread 4 times this season and are 2-2 ATS in those.

Cincinnati has consistently won but not covered at home. It is 1-3 ATS in its last 4 home games. The Bearcats have been a single-digit favorite in two games, against Georgia Tech and Villanova, and are averaging just 70.5 points per game in those.

Considering the Musketeers’ dominance in the series and the Bearcats’ home struggles, back XAVIER +7.5 (-105).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 145.5 (-110).

One thing both sides have in common is going Under consistently. The Bearcats are 2-6 O/U this season and have allowed 60 or fewer in all but 2 games.

Xavier is 2-7-1 O/U and 0-2-1 O/U either on a neutral court or on the road. It has allowed 70 or fewer in all but 3 games. With that in mind, back UNDER 145.5 (-110).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Xavier at TCU odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Xavier at TCU odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The Xavier Musketeers (7-1) and the TCU Horned Frogs (4-3) meet Thursday at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Xavier vs. TCU odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Xavier topped South Carolina State 71-68 last time out Sunday, nearly suffering a gigantic upset as a 26-point favorite. It did bounce back with a win, though, after the ugly 78-53 loss to Michigan at the Fort Myers Tip-off around Thanksgiving. The Musketeers are just 1-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 4 games, while cashing low in 6 in a row, and 7 of 8 this season.

The Horned Frogs were on the short end of a couple of neutral floor losses at Acrisure Arena in California. It is looking to bounce back after a 69-52 loss to Santa Clara, and a narrow 76-72 OT loss to Colorado State. TCU is 0-6 ATSA in the past 6 outings since coming in the opener against FAMU back Nov. 4 The Under is 3-1 in the past 4 outings, too.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Xavier at TCU odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Xavier -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | TCU -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Against the spread: Xavier -1.5 (+100) | TCU +1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

Xavier at TCU picks and predictions

Prediction

TCU 75, Xavier 71

Moneyline

TCU (-110) is worth playing as a short ‘dog at home. The Horned Frogs dropped a couple of games in the high desert last time out in a tournament, but playing at home should snap TCU back into form.

Plus, Xavier (-110) looked awful against Michigan, and even worse against South Carolina State of the MEAC. If the Musketeers play at that level here, they’ll get their doors blown off.

Against the spread

It makes very little backing TCU +1.5 (-120) with the small amount of points, unless you’re absolutely convinced Xavier -1.5 (+100) is going to win, but only by a single point.

AVOID.

Over/Under

UNDER 146.5 (-110) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.

Xavier is driving this Under train, cashing low in 6 consecutive outings. It has allowed 68 or fewer points in 5 of those 6 contests, while going for 75 or fewer points in 4 of the previous 5 outings.

TCU is a slow, methodical offense, good for just 72.6 PPG, while shooting a dismal 43.2% from the field, and 32.1% from behind the 3-point line. It also leaves a lot of points on the floor thanks to a 59.1% mark at the free-throw line, one of the worst in the country. Under bettors love that.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

South Carolina State at Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s South Carolina State at Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

The South Carolina State Bulldogs (4-4) face the No. 22 Xavier Musketeers (6-1) Sunday at Cintas Center in Cincinnati. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the South Carolina State vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

South Carolina State’s 2-game win streak was snapped on Wednesday, losing 82-53 to the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Bulldogs failed to cover as 10.5-point road underdogs as the Under 147 hit. The Bulldogs struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 3-of-16 (18.8%) from long range.

The Musketeers lost for the first time Wednesday, 78-53 to the Michigan Wolverines. Xavier failed to cover as 1.5-point home underdogs with the Under 154 hitting. The Wolverines forced 19 turnovers and dominated the paint, outscoring Xavier 38-20 inside. The lone bright spot for the Musketeers was Indiana State transfer Ryan Conwell, who scored 19 points, hitting 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.

– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

South Carolina State at Xavier odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): South Carolina State +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000) | Xavier -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread: South Carolina State +25.5 (-105) | Xavier -25.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

South Carolina State at Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 85, South Carolina State 57

Moneyline

PASS.

Xavier (-10000) will roll all over South Carolina State at the Cintas Center Sunday afternoon, but no way you can ever bet $10,000 to win $100. That’s why I’ll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET XAVIER -25.5 (-115).

Xavier is undefeated at home in the Cintas Center, and expect the Musketeers to be fired up after their blowout loss to Michigan and ready to take out their frustrations on South Carolina State. The KenPom ratings show a massive gap, with Xavier ranked 57th and SC State at 301. Earlier this season, the Musketeers covered a hefty -26 spread against Jacksonville State.

SC State is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games and has played 5 straight on the road. With only one double-digit scorer, F Drayton Jones at 12.0 points, the Bulldogs lack the firepower to compete. This sets up perfectly for Xavier to dominate Sunday.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 146.5 (-115).

Xavier should have no trouble containing South Carolina State’s offense, which primarily relies on Jones. The Bulldogs shot under 20% from 3 in their last game, a performance that won’t cut it against a team like Xavier. At home, the Musketeers are highly efficient, shooting 55.9% from the field at the Cintas Center.

The Big East is a strong conference for targeting unders, and Xavier has been a prime example. The Under has hit in 9 of their last 10 games, including their most recent, which stayed 23 points below the 154 total. Xavier hasn’t gone Over since Nov. 8 against IUPUI, making another low-scoring game likely.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Marquette at Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Marquette at Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

The Xavier Musketeers (15-15, 9-10 Big East) welcome the No. 9 Marquette Golden Eagles (22-8, 13-6) to Cintas Center Saturday. Tip is set for 5 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Marquette vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Marquette is No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Golden Eagles lost to the No. 2 UConn Huskies 74-67 Wednesday, failing to cover as 5-point home underdogs. They have lost 2 straight games, closing as underdogs in each. Marquette is 17-12-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 3-2 ATS in its last 5.

Xavier has struggled more than expected and lost 88-64 to Marquette on the road Feb. 25. It is coming off a 72-66 road loss to the Butler Bulldogs, failing to cover as a 2.5-point road underdog. The Muskateers are 2-1 straight up (SU) in their last 3 games but just 2-5 SU and 1-6 ATS over their last 7. Xavier is 15-14 ATS on the season.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Marquette at Xavier odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Marquette -142 (bet $142 to win $100) | Xavier +118 (bet $100 to win $118)
Against the spread (ATS): Marquette -2.5 (-110) | Xavier +2.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 157.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Marquette at Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 80, Xavier 74

Moneyline

PASS.

The Golden Eagles (-142) are the better side and should come out on top on the road; however, at -142, their spread gives better value.

Against the spread

BET MARQUETTE -2.5 (-110).

The Golden Eagles have covered in 8 of their last 11 games and took down Xavier by 24 at home earlier in the season. They have road wins over similar-quality opponents like Villanova and Butler, covering in each of those away games. Marquette is 3-2 ATS in its last 5 on the road.

Xavier has failed to cover in 7 of its last 8 games and has lost 5 of its last 7. Its lone wins have come over Georgetown and DePaul, the worst teams in the Big East. Xavier has lost 2 of its last 3 at home. Those defeats were against Creighton and Providence, teams ranked lower than Marquette.

Back MARQUETTE -2.5 (-110).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 157.5 (-114).

The Musketeers have gone Under in 4 of their last 5 games, scoring 66 or fewer in 2 of their last 4.

Marquette is 12-18 O/U on the season and 3-4 O/U in its last 7 games. The Golden Eagles have allowed 74 or fewer in 4 of their last 5 games. Considering the trends for both teams, take UNDER 157.5 (-114).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin /
College Sports Wire: Men’s hoops / Women’s hoops / High School

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Xavier vs. Texas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Xavier at Texas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[mm-video type=video id=01gw3b24512hhffha378 playlist_id=none player_id=01evcg1x9ny8tb834m image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gw3b24512hhffha378/01gw3b24512hhffha378-35bde3aed91803f705357ad6dad0c152.jpg]

The 3rd-seeded Xavier Musketeers (27-9) and No. 2 Texas Longhorns (28-8) meet in a Sweet 16 game Friday in Kansas City. The Midwest Region battle at the T-Mobile Center tips off at 9:45 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Xavier vs. Texas odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Xavier, which is No. 14 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, enters off bracket wins against 14-seed Kennesaw State and 11-seed Pitt. The Musketeers’ only loss since Feb. 24 was to Marquette in the March 11 Big East Tournament title game. One of the top 3-point-shooting teams in the nation, XU has cranked out a robust 37.2% mark from distance over that stretch.

Seventh-ranked Texas has won 6 straight games. The Longhorns are typically efficient at both ends of the floor, and they often leverage a plus in turnovers into a plus on the scoreboard. UT has scuffled of late from 3-point range (29.9% last 4 games), but the team’s 2-point game has been dialed in and over their last 3 games the ‘Horns have shot an aggregate 51.4% from the floor.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3259″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3272″ ]

[betwidget_tipico]

Xavier vs. Texas odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:46 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Xavier +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Texas -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Xavier +4.5 (-115) | Texas -4.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Xavier vs. Texas picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas 73, Xavier 68

Moneyline

Well-rounded Texas has the much better defense in this matchup, and the Longhorns are trending the right way in defending 3s, which figures as a key factor in this game. Since Feb. 21, UT has held foes to a 29.5% mark from 3-point-land; in the Big 12 title game and 2 NCAA games that figure is 25%.

The Longhorns are the more battle-tested bunch and a near-67% expected win rate is fair. PASS.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread

The comps on both sides peg Xavier as the lesser team by about 4-6 points. No room to operate here: AVOID.

Over/Under

Xavier is coming off an 84-73 triumph over Pittsburgh, covering a -5 in that game. The Under is 7-2 in the Musketeers’ last 9 games following an ATS win. The Under is also 6-0 in the Longhorns’ last 6 games against foes playing .600 basketball and 7-0 in UT’s last 7 overall. It is 3-1 in XU’s last 4.

Two veteran teams, Texas on a roll in stopping 3s and a matchup that doesn’t figure to be overloaded with 2nd-chance points or free throws — on neutral floorboards: it all spells strong leverage on the UNDER 149.5 (-112).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Pitt vs. Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Pitt vs. Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Pitt Panthers (24-11) battle the Xavier Musketeers (26-9) Sunday in the Round of 32 matchup from Greensboro Coliseum. Tip is set for 12:10 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pitt vs. Xavier odds as we make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

The 11th-seeded Panthers earned an at-large bid, but had to play in the First Four. They beat 11-seed Mississippi State 60-59 as a 2.5-point underdog. They then took down No. 6 Iowa State 59-41 as a 4-point underdog. The Panthers are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in postseason play.

The No. 3 Musketeers barely beat 14-seed Kennesaw State 72-67, but failed to cover as a 12-point favorite. Xavier is just 1-3 ATS in postseason play with the Under hitting in its last 3. The Musketeers are led by G Souley Boum, who is averaging 16.5 points per game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3259″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3272″ ]

[betwidget_tipico]

Pitt vs. Xavier odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:06 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Pitt +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Xavier -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Pitt +5.5 (-115) | Xavier -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 152.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Pitt vs. Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 77, Pitt 71

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Musketeers got by a scare in the 1st round while Pitt abused the Cyclones. Nonetheless, backing the underdog at +180 here doesn’t make much sense given its season-long non-conference struggles.

Against the spread

LEAN XAVIER -5.5 (-115).

Xavier shot just 17% from deep against Kennesaw State, and for one of the 18 teams in the nation averaging more than 80 points per game that’s unlikely to occur again. The Musketeers should bounce back offensively, especially against the Panthers, who rank 174th in opponents’ points per game.

Pitt is 3-1 ATS in postseason play, and it has yet to cover in a loss. Pitt also had brutal early-season losses to West Virginia by 25, VCU by 4, Michigan by 31, and Vanderbilt by 1.

While Pitt has been hot, expect some regression here, and back XAVIER -5.5 (-115).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

BET UNDER 152.5 (-115).

Pitt has gone Under in both tournament games and has yet to score more than 60 in a postseason game. Xavier’s offense is why this total is so high, but it has gone Under in 3 straight games and has scored under 75 in its last 2. Xavier is 4-7 O/U in its last 11 games.

Xavier also gave up just 6 points in the last 9 minutes of its game against Kennesaw State. It can turn it up defensively, and that energy after a close battle should be there from the start. Back the UNDER 152.5 (-115).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness: Kennesaw State vs. Xavier odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Kennesaw State vs. Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

[mm-video type=video id=01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0 playlist_id=none player_id=01evcg1x9ny8tb834m image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0/01gved089g4bg8hvxtj0-3dc54a5dbd48b9ec5483c0ce0eebf69e.jpg]

The 14th-seeded Kennesaw State Owls (26-8) battle the No. 3 Xavier Musketeers (25-9) Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip for the Midwest Region affair at Greensboro Coliseum is set for 12:40 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Kennesaw State vs. Xavier odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Musketeers lost 65-51 to Marquette in the Big East Championship on March 11 after beating Creighton 82-60 in the semifinals and DePaul 89-84 in the quarterfinals. F Zach Freemantle, the team’s No. 3 scoring option in the regular season, missed the conference tournament and will not be available for the NCAA Tournament as he was ruled out for the year on March 5 with a foot injury. Xavier has won 5 of its last 6 games and is 5-3 against the spread (ATS) over its last 8 outings.

Kennesaw State beat Liberty 67-66 in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament championship game to punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament. It has won 8 of its last 9 games yet is just 5-4 ATS over that span. The Owls were led by G Chris Youngblood, who is averaging 14.7 points per game.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Can you survive? USA TODAY Sports’ Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pools are here with a $5,000 prize for each contest! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3259″ ]

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3272″ ]

[betwidget_tipico]

Kennesaw State vs. Xavier odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:57 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Kennesaw State +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Xavier -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Kennesaw State +12.5 (-102) | Xavier -12.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Kennesaw State vs. Xavier picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 85, Kennesaw State 70

Moneyline

AVOID.

Xavier (-900) should come away with a victory Friday, but you shouldn’t risk 9 times your potential return on any bet. The Musketeers should win by margin, so focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

BET XAVIER -12.5 (-118).

Kennesaw State has not fared well against top-tier competition, losing to Indiana by 14 points, San Diego State by 34 points, Florida by 10 points and VCU by 3 points. There’s reason to think Xavier is better than all 4 of those teams.

Xavier lost to Marquette in the Big East finals but beat Creighton by 22 points the game prior. Both of these teams have an elite offense but Xavier just takes it to the next level. The Musketeers rank 5th nationally in field-goal percentage (49.45%) while the Owls rank 79th (46.19%).

The efficiency of the Musketeers mixed with the pace and the Owls’ lacking performance against top opponents makes XAVIER -12.5 (-118) the preferred side.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 154.5 (-105).

Both teams rank in the top 80 in the field-goal percentage. Xavier also ranks 29th in field goal attempts per game (61.1).

Kennesaw State was 17-12-2 O/U, the 2nd-highest Over rate in the ASUN Conference; Xavier had the highest rate of Over results in the Big East at 21-12-1 O/U.

Xavier has gone Over in 4 of its last 6 games and Kennesaw State has gone Over in 4 of its last 8 outings. Back the OVER 154.5 (-115).

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

Big East Tournament: Xavier vs. Marquette odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Xavier vs. Marquette odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 15 Xavier Musketeers (25-8) face the No. 6 Marquette Golden Eagles (27-6) Saturday in the Big East Tournament championship game. Tip from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Xavier vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Xavier was the 3 Musketeers in Friday’s semifinal against Creighton, hitting 7 triples en route to an 82-60 rout of the Bluejays. The Musketeers shot 47% (33 of 70) from the field and posted an impressive plus-13 rebounding margin (39-26).

Marquette has won a pair of 2-point games in this Big East tourney, edging St. John’s 72-70 in OT in the quarterfinals Thursday and topping UConn 70-68 as a 4-point underdog Friday. The Under cashed in both games.

Marquette topped Xavier 69-68 at Fiserv Forum on Feb. 15, but the Musketeers covered as 6.5-point underdogs. The Golden Eagles fell to the Musketeers 80-76 at Cintas Center in Cincinnati on Jan. 15. The Under cashed in both meetings.

THE BRACKETS ARE BACK! The USA TODAY Sports Bracket Challenge is back! $1 MILLION grand prize for a perfect bracket, $25,000 prize for top bracket. Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

[betwidget_tipico]

[betwidget_gambbetmgmsb]

[betwidget_gambfanduelsb]

Xavier vs. Marquette odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:34 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Xavier +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Marquette -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Xavier +1.5 (-105) | Marquette -1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Xavier vs. Marquette picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 79, Marquette 74

Moneyline

XAVIER (+105) has been rolling along on offense, and I like the Musketeers as short ‘dogs to trip up Marquette.

The Golden Eagles have survived and advanced in the Big East tourney, and that’s the name of the game at this time of year, but the fact is that Xavier is just playing better basketball and should probably be favored.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Against the spread

XAVIER +1.5 (-105) is worth a look if you honestly believe Marquette is going to win this game by just one point. If that’s not your thinking, then you should just play the Musketeers straight up for a better value.

Over/Under

UNDER 154.5 (-110) is the lean, although we should see plenty of fireworks to make you sweat it out in the end.

The Under cashed in each of the 2 regular-season meetings between these sides, and Marquette has allowed just 69.0 points per game in 2 games in the tourney to date, including a game that went to OT.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]