Xavier Musketeers (7-8) vs. Providence Friars (11-5)
January 13, 2024 2:00 pm EDT
The Line: Providence Friars -3.5; Over/Under: 142.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Xavier Musketeers will play the Providence Friars in a Big East game on Saturday afternoon at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. Xavier has lost three of their last four games, while Providence is on a three game losing streak. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Xavier vs Providence prediction.
Xavier Preview
The Xavier Musketeers are 7-8 (1-3) this year after they lost to UConn by a score of 80-75 in their last game. Xavier trailed 42-38 at the half, but did play well enough to keep it very close in the second half. The Musketeers shot 35.9% from the field and were +12 in rebounding margin in the game. Xavier lost to Villanova by a score of 66-65 in the game prior to UConn, but defeated Seton Hall before that. The Musketeers are scoring 74.6 points per game with 40.4 rebounds per game and 17.1 assists per game, while allowing 70 points against per game this year. Quincy Olivari is averaging 18.3 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game. Xavier is shooting 43.4% from the field, 72.5% on free throws, and 33.3% on three pointers this season.
Providence Preview
The Providence Friars are 11-5 (2-3) this season after they lost to St. John’s by a score of 75-73 in their last game. Providence trailed 40-29 at the half, but did out score St. John’s 44-35 in the second half in the close loss. The Friars shot 44.3% from the field and were only 52.4% on free throws in the game. Providence has also lost to Creighton and Seton Hall during this losing streak. The Friars are scoring 73 points per game with 37.9 rebounds per game and 13.8 assists per game, while giving up 64.8 points against per game this season. Devin Carter is averaging 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Providence is shooting 45.4% from the field, 67.4% on free throws, and 32.8% on three pointers this year.
Xavier vs Providence Betting Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup struggling in recent games, but Providence has some huge wins already this season. The Friars have defeated Marquette and Butler in conference play and will look to get back on track here. Xavier has lost their last two games by a combined six points, so they were only a couple of plays away from picking up two wins. Providence is the much better defensive team in this matchup, but I think we are going to see a very close game here. Give me Xavier with the points on the road.
