It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the Xavier Musketeers (11-8, 3-3 Big East) welcome the Providence Friars (11-7, 1-4 Big East) to the Cintas Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Providence Friars vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Prediction
The Friars are trying to rebound after their 79-68 loss to the No. 15 Marquette Golden Eagles in their last contest. Marquette made good use of their 25 trips to the free throw line, making 23 of them (92.0 percent). Providence, on the other hand, was just 12-23 (52.2 percent). Nate Watson led Providence in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
In the Musketeers’ previous game, they fell to the No. 22 Villanova Wildcats, 85-75. Villanova’s 0.625 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Xavier, who had a mark of 0.484. The Wildcats’ mark was above their season average of 0.545. With 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Tyrique Jones led Xavier in scoring.
Xavier could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Providence ranks 125th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.2 percent), while Xavier forces the 75th-fewest turnovers (17.6 percent).
After the Friars won two out of three games against the Musketeers last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Providence won 75-72. Providence had a better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 10.7). Xavier, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 vs. 17.5).
Providence Friars at Xavier Musketeers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Providence ranks 61st in assists per game (15.3) while Xavier ranks 208th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
The Friars rank 116th in three pointers allowed per game (21.9) while the Musketeers rank 235th (25.6).
Xavier ranks 127th in rebounds per game (36.4) while Providence ranks 152nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
The Friars rank 34th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Musketeers rank 48th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Friars have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Providence has defeated opponents by an average of 4.2 points.
During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.8 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
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