Xavier vs Duke 11/25/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Duke Blue Devils and the Xavier Musketeers meet Friday in college basketball action from Moda Center. Duke enters this one at 5-1 overall. The Blue Devils beat Oregon State in their last outing. As for Xavier, they’re 4-1 and fresh off a win versus Florida on Thursday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Duke took consecutive wins in their first pair this year, taking out Jacksonville 71-44 and USC Upstate 84-38. The Blue Devils had their first loss 69-64 against Kansas, then followed up with wins over Delaware and Bellarmine. 

On Thursday versus Oregon State, Duke had a close game but came out on top. The Blue Devils posted 29 points in the first half and 25 more in the second in a 54-51 win. Tops in scoring was Kyle Filipowski with 19 points and 14 rebounds. 

Over on the Xavier side, they hit a three-game win streak against Morgan State, Montana and Fairfield to open up the year. In game versus Indiana last Friday, the Musketeers took their first loss of the season 81-79. 

Xavier was able to bounce back well on Thursday versus Florida. The Musketeers held a 42-38 edge by halftime and held on for the 90-83 win. Both Colby Jones and Souley Boum scored 22 points apiece, combining for 10 boards and 10 assists. 

PICK: I might take a stab on Xavier here. The Musketeers played quite well in the Thursday game versus Florida, hitting 55.9 percent from the field and 50 percent (10-of-20) from 3-point range. Xavier had a 42-36 rebounding edge and 19 team assists. 

As for Duke, they’re coming off a win versus Oregon State that wasn’t exactly pretty. The Blue Devils shot just 26.7 percent, but they were plucky on the boards with a 45-29 advantage (22-6 offensive). If Xavier can get the scoring going early in this one, I think the Musketeers can hang in there for a cover. Should be a fun game.