At press, the impressive Xavier Musketeers (15-1) are 3-1 straight up and 3-1 against the spread when playing on the road. When playing at home in the comforts of Dunkin’ Donuts Center (best NCAAB arena name ever), the Providence Friars (10-6) are 8-3 SU but just 1-7 ATS. The Musketeers should cakewalk through Dunkin’ Donuts Center this Saturday. Register to bet and wager with your pick.
Betting Preview for the Xavier Musketeers vs Providence Friars College Basketball Game on January 6 2018
The Musketeers are off to a 3-0 start in Big East play but will be put to the test against the Providence Friars on Saturday. Solid play from starters Trevon Bluiett and JP Macura will be the key, as they were in their win against Butler this week. Bluiett put up 21 points and 7 rebounds against Butler, bringing his season ppg average to 19.8. A solid shooter at 6’5″, Macura (13.3 ppg) is also a well-rounded threat. The senior can put the ball on the floor to create an opening for himself and for his team, and is one of the strongest defenders for Xavier, perched at the top of their 1-3-1 zone. He scored 20 points versus Butler and is looking to bring strong offense and defense to Providence. Top two aside, Xavier can also lean on Kaiser Gates and Tyrique Jones, both of which have made notable improvements to their game and have increased the team’s overall production.
Betting on the Providence Friars (10-5)
Byron Cartwright is the key for the Providence Friars in this match-up against Xavier. Cartwright put up 29 points in a loss to Marquette this week. The skilled lefty is a great ball handler and has become quite an excellent shooter, but performs best when he attacks the rim for a short jumper. And that might be a problem in this weekend’s game, as Cartwright is currently struggling with a recurring ankle injury. The silver lining, is that he is also an excellent passer, leading the Big East in that category with 6.1 assists per game. So, if his team steps up and scores he will be there to feed them the ball should his own scoring game be hampered by a bum ankle. And that’s the question bettors are asking, will he get the court support he needs?
Writer’s Prediction
As much as I think the Friars will put up a fight (and they will for the points) Xavier is deeper and have every intent of extending their record to 16-1 (and the will for the straight up). Pick: Xavier for the win, no cover.
