The No. 4 Xavier Musketeers (24-3, 12-2 Big East) put their nine-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the No. 3 Villanova Wildcats (23-3, 10-3 Big East) at Cintas Center. Action begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Villanova Wildcats at Xavier Musketeers ATS Preview
In the Wildcats last matchup, they lost to the Providence Friars, 76-71. With 19 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Mikal Bridges was the games high scorer. Providence held the Wildcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.8 (below their season average of 30.2). Villanova, on the other hand, held the Friars to an effective field goal percentage of 0.435 (below their season average of 0.509).
The Musketeers come in on a high note after beating the Seton Hall Pirates in their last game, 102-90. With 37 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Trevon Bluiett was the top scorer from either team. The Musketeers made 28 of their 35 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.661 (above their season average of 0.564).
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses square off. Xavier ranks 13th with 118.0 points per 100 possessions and Villanova is first (124.4). Also, the Wildcats rank 11th in turnover percentage (14.9 percent), while the Musketeers rank 332nd in opponents turnover percentage (15.8 percent).
Omari Spellman has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Villanova, averaging 12.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Wildcats won 89-65. The Wildcats 10.8 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Musketeers, who had a mark of 18.3. In the victory, Phil Booth led all scorers with 21 points.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Musketeers rank 47th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Wildcats rank 152nd (35.4).
- Villanova ranks 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Xavier ranks 141st (3.7).
- Villanova ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Xavier ranks 277th in three pointers allowed per game (26.4).
- The Wildcats rank 10th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Musketeers rank 162nd (6.8).
- Villanova ranks 31st in assists per game (16.5) while Xavier ranks 179th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
Betting Trends:
- The Musketeers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 10.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 84.4 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.8 points per game (6.2 above their season average).
