UConn vs Xavier Prediction 12-18-24 College Basketball Picks
Xavier (8-3) vs. Connecticut (8-3)
December 18, 2024 7:00 pm EDT
The Line: Connecticut -13.5; Over/Under: +149
(Get latest betting odds)
The Xavier Musketeers and UConn Huskies meet Wednesday in college basketball action at the XL Center. Here’s a UConn vs Xavier Prediction. This article will include a UConn vs Xavier Pick.
Xavier Musketeers Betting Preview
The Xavier Musketeers beat Morgan State, lost to Cincinnati, and they play Marquette, Seton Hall and Georgetown next. The Xavier Musketeers are averaging 79.7 points on 46.7 percent shooting and allowing 66.9 points on 41.6 percent shooting. Zach Freemantle is averaging 16.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, while Ryan Conwell is averaging 16.5 points and 2.7 rebounds. Dayvion McKnight is the third double-digit scorer and Dailyn Swain is dishing 2.5 assists. The Xavier Musketeers are shooting 39.4 percent from beyond the arc and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line. The Xavier Musketeers are allowing 35.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.4 rebounds per game.
UConn Huskies Betting Preview
The UConn Huskies beat Gonzaga and Texas, and they play Butler, DePaul and Providence next. The UConn Huskies are averaging 83.6 points on 50 percent shooting and allowing 65 points on 40.7 percent shooting. Alex Karaban is averaging 15.6 points and 5 rebounds, while Liam McNeeley is averaging 13.6 points and 2.1 assists. Solo Ball is the third double-digit scorer and Tarris Reed Jr. is grabbing 8 rebounds. The UConn Huskies are shooting 35.4 percent from beyond the arc and 77.1 percent from the free throw line. The UConn Huskies are allowing 37.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.3 rebounds per game.
Why the Connecticut Huskies will win
- Connecticut has won each of its last 14 games at XL Center.
- Xavier has lost each of its last 12 games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Connecticut has won the first half in 14 of its last 15 night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Connecticut’s last eight night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at XL Center have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
- Ten of Xavier’s last 12 night games against the Big East Conference have produced a total of 149+ points.
UConn vs Xavier Prediction
This could be a letdown spot for UCONN after wins over Gonzaga and Texas, but they’re also a well coached team that seems to rack up wins and covers dating back to the last two seasons. Also, UCONN played Baylor and Texas before Gonzaga, and there hasn’t been a drop-off yet. The Xavier Musketeers are coming off a physical game against Cincinnati, and the offensive effort comes and goes. UCONN cashes tickets. I’ll lay the points with the Huskies.