The Providence Friars (13-10, 6-4 Big East) will be at the Cintas Center to challenge the Xavier Musketeers (15-8, 4-6 Big East) in a Big East matchup. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Providence Friars at Xavier Musketeers Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Musketeers defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 67-59, while the Friars beat the 21st-ranked Creighton Bluejays 73-56.
Providence dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.170 (below their season average of 0.236) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.458). For those same stats, Creighton was 0.065 and 0.419, respectively. Meanwhile, Xavier dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.293 (above their season average of 0.204) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.6 (above their season average of 32.6). DePaul put up marks of 0.075 and 23.9, respectively, for those same stats. Tyrique Jones had a solid performance for Xavier, recording 12 points and 18 rebounds. Meanwhile, Providence was lifted by A.J. Reeves, who recorded 22 points.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Musketeers won 75-61. Xavier had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.673 vs. 0.411). Providence, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 24.5). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Xavier could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. The Musketeers currently rank 33rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.451), while Providence is 315th in effective field goal percentage (0.464).
Providence at Xavier Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Xavier averages 40.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 20th in the NCAA. Providence ranks 200th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
- The Musketeers average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. The Friars rank 104th in assists allowed per game (12.0).
- The Friars rank 23rd in steals per game (8.5) while the Musketeers rank 160th (5.9).
- Xavier averages 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. Providence ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Friars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 4.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
