The Creighton Bluejays (12-4, 1-2 Big East) will be at the Cintas Center to go head-to-head with the Xavier Musketeers (12-4, 1-2 Big East) in a Big East matchup. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Creighton Bluejays vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last game. The Musketeers fell to the Seton Hall Pirates, 83-71, while the Bluejays were defeated by the 16th-ranked Villanova Wildcats, 64-59.
Creighton did an excellent job of making free throws (12-15; 80.0 percent) while Xavier did an excellent job of making free throws (15-18; 83.3 percent). Xavier was led by Tyrique Jones, who contributed 19 points and nine rebounds. Christian Bishop fueled Creighton with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Musketeers captured this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the most recent contest, Xavier won 63-61. Xavier’s 0.117 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Creighton, who had a mark of 0.050. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Xavier could have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this matchup. The Musketeers currently rank 136th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.232, while Creighton ranks 33rd in FTA rate allowed (0.159). Moreover, the Bluejays’ 42nd-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.540) will battle against the Musketeers’ 29th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.441).
Creighton Bluejays vs. Xavier Musketeers Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Creighton, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Xavier ranks 54th in rebounds per game (39.0) while Creighton ranks 179th in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
- The Bluejays rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Musketeers rank 127th (6.9).
- Xavier averages 20.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 168th in the NCAA. Creighton ranks 205th in three pointers allowed per game (24.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 7.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bluejays have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
