No. 15 Xavier has had a fine start to Big East play. The Musketeers are 3-0 with wins over Providence (82-56), Georgetown (81-76) and St. John’s (97-82). The Musketeers offense was firing on all cylinders in their wins over Providence and St. John’s as they shot over 58 percent in both games. And when they came unstuck against the Hoyas, Edmond Sumner came to the rescue with a career-high 28 points.
Sumner has been stellar so far during conference play. The sophomore guard is averaging 20.3 points on 59 percent shooting through three games, and is making up for Trevon Bluiett’s slow start. The junior is the team’s leading scorer on the season at 17.7 points, but is averaging 12.7 points and 35 percent from the field in Big East play.
Sumner had an outstanding performance the last time he saw Villanova. He led the Musketeers with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists to lead his team to their first-ver win over a then-No. 1 Villanova, 90-83.
With Sumner, Bluiett, and J.P. Macura (16 PPG in conference play), the Musketeers have the firepower to match Villanova’s perimeter-oriented attack. Xavier could also have a potential X-factor in the form of senior Myles Davis, who will make his return after a 15-game suspension.
Betting on the Villanova Wildcats (15-1, 3-1 Big East)
The Villanova Wildcats’ undefeated record – and their No. 1 ranking – came to an end as they fell to the Butler Bulldogs, 66-58, last week. The Wildcats weren’t able to get their potent No. 1-ranked offense per KenPom.com to run smoothly as they shot just 37 percent from the field. Even top scorer Josh Hart (19.8 PPG) couldn’t get going as he was held to a season-low 13 points.
But the Wildcats immediately went back to winning ways as they defeated Marquette, 90-81. Senior Kris Jenkins paced the team with 23 points and 6 3-pointers – both season-highs – while the team as a whole shot 65 percent from the floor.
Sophomore guard Jalen Brunson has done a fine job helping out the seniors in Hart and Jenkins during conference play. Brunson is averaging 19.8 points on 66 percent shooting through his first four conference games, which includes a 27-point eruption in Nova’s 80-70 win over then-No. 10 Creighton.
Villanova’s main weakness – rebounding – isn’t likely to be exploited by a Xavier team that has been equally deficient in that department this season. Meanwhile, the Wildcats will have the edge in terms of defense – they are ranked No. 13 in defensive efficiency, while Xavier is No. 33 – as well as home-court advantage.
Villanova is 7-0 (5-2 ATS) at home this season, and 3-0 SU/ATS in its last three home games against Xavier.
Writer’s Prediction
Villanova wins a closely-contested encounter 85-79, but Xavier (+7.5) covers on the road.
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