The 10th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (9-2) and their phenomenal offense welcome the Xavier Musketeers (11-2) and their exceptional defense. The game gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, December 30, 2019.
Xavier Musketeers at Villanova Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wildcats edged the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 56-55, while the Musketeers defeated the TCU Horned Frogs 67-59.
Xavier’s 0.598 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over TCU, who had a mark of 0.388. The Musketeers’ mark was above their season average of 0.486, while the Horned Frogs’ was below their season average of 0.523. Meanwhile, Villanova’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Kansas. The Wildcats had a rate of 12.3 (better than their season average of 15.6), while the Jayhawks posted a mark of 16.8. Villanova was led by Jermaine Samuels, who contributed 15 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Tyrique Jones played well for Xavier, contributing 18 points and 14 rebounds.
The Wildcats edged out the Musketeers in this series last year, taking two out of three games. In the most recent matchup, Villanova won 71-67. Villanova’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Xavier. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.197, while the Musketeers posted a mark of 0.129. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Villanova (10th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 114.2) takes on the elite defense of Xavier (34th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 89.0).
Xavier Musketeers vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Villanova ranks 42nd in three pointers attempted per game (26.6) while Xavier ranks 161st (21.4).
- The Musketeers rank 49th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Wildcats rank 68th (3.0).
- Xavier averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 93rd in the nation. Villanova ranks 99th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- The Musketeers rank 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.3) while the Wildcats rank 131st (13.0).
- Xavier ranks 41st in rebounds per game (39.7) while Villanova ranks 99th (37.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Musketeers have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, down from 10.2 for the season.
