The Western Carolina Catamounts (7-2) and the Xavier Musketeers (9-2) go head-to-head at Cintas Center. The Catamounts will attempt to continue their five-game winning streak. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Xavier Musketeers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Musketeers lost a close one to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 80-78, while the Catamounts barely escaped the UNC Asheville Bulldogs, 78-77.
Western Carolina dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.302 (above their season average of 0.261) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.5 (above their season average of 32.5). For those same stats, UNC Asheville was 0.127 and 22.2, respectively. Xavier, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 9.2 (better than their season average of 16.4). Paul Scruggs had a good outing for Xavier, contributing 30 points and five rebounds. Carlos Dotson, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Western Carolina with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Western Carolina ranks 56th in effective field goal percentage (0.538) and Xavier is 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.492) dating back to last season.
Western Carolina at Xavier ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Xavier, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Xavier ranks 32nd in rebounds per game (37.5) while Western Carolina ranks 133rd (36.1).
- The Musketeers rank 25th in assists allowed per game (13.2) while the Catamounts rank 110th (12.4).
- Xavier ranks 50th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8) while Western Carolina ranks 133rd (22.2).
- The Musketeers rank 50th in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Catamounts rank 143rd (4.1).
- Xavier averages 5.8 steals per game, which ranks 92nd in the NCAA. Western Carolina ranks 179th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
