Villanova Wildcats vs. Xavier Musketeers Betting Preview
Where: Cintas Center— Cincinnati, OH
When: Saturday, February 11, 2017, 2:30 PM ET
Line: Villanova Wildcats vs. Xavier Musketeers – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: FOX
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Betting on Villanova Wildcats (23-2, 10-2 Big East)
This is arguably the toughest remaining game in Nova’s schedule—a showdown with the second-best program in the Big East No. 24 Xavier.
The second-ranked Wildcats are atop of the conference, holding a slim 1.5-game lead over the second-seeded Musketeers. Villanova’s won four in a row (0-4 ATS) heading into this matchup, with the most recent of which a 75-64 home win over Georgetown Tuesday night.
Josh Hart, who averages a team-high 19.2 points this season, paced the defending champions with 25 points, seven rebounds and three dimes. Prior to that game, the senior guard also lit up the stat sheet 26 points on 50 percent shooting versus St. John’s.
As spectacular as Hart’s been lately, the Wildcats defense is the reason for their success. They’re allowing just 64.7 points in their current winning streak and are forcing nearly 15 turnovers in the last three outings. That defense is in for a great test against Xavier’s high-powered offense, which registers close to 80 points a game.
Betting on the Xavier Musketeers (18-6, 8-3 Big East)
No. 24 Xavier’s on a four-game run (1-3 ATS) of its own—with the biggest win coming on the road against then-No. 22 Creighton.
The Musketeers’ offense has been tilting the scoreboard, racking up 80-plus points in all but two of their previous six games. They were led by junior Trevon Bluiett, who’s really taken control of their attack with Edmond Sumner (torn ACL) out for the rest of the season. Bluiett is averaging 24.1 points per contest during the same stretch.
However, the Nova’s defense had his number in the first meeting last month. Bluiett was held to 2-for-10 shooting in what turned out to be ugliest loss (79-54) for Xavier. For sure, revenge will be on their minds but those harbored bitter feelings better translate into proper execution and points on the hardwood.
The Musketeers also have to lock in defensively, unless they want a taste of their own medicine. Villanova averages 77.5 points per game on 49.3 percent shooting this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Nova wins a tight one, 81-74.
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